THE father of a teenage girl left traumatised by a sex pest says he must be brought to justice before someone gets hurt.

Adrian Spendlow, who lives off Leeman Road, in York, described how his 17-year-old daughter was walking to work along a path beside the River Ouse near Scarborough Bridge, when a naked man jumped out from behind a bush.

The offender filmed her shocked reaction with a camcorder while carrying out a lewd act.

The teenage girl, who does not want to be named, shouted at him to go away before running off and calling the police.

Mr Spendlow says it is the third time his daughter has been "flashed" at by the man in the area and claims another acquaintance was also confronted by him.

Police have received several reports of indecent exposure in or around that area of the River Ouse in York over the last few weeks.

The teenager described the flasher as a white male in his late 20s, with short dark hair. He has often been seen riding a mountain bike.

This information has now been passed to the police by the Evening Press.

"It's really sick," Mr Spendlow said. "My daughter was extremely upset and traumatised by the experience. She now goes a different way to work.

"It's disgusting to think he has got my daughter on film - who knows who is watching it?

"A lot of people round here have reported seeing him at the same spot.

"I want to challenge the police to take action before someone takes matters into their own hands.

"My worry is that he will get physical - his actions seem to have escalated.

"If he has got mental problems he needs to be in a secure unit where he can be properly looked after."

A spokesman for York police said the matter was under investigation.

They are anxious to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the offences and can be contacted on 01904 631321.

Updated: 09:31 Thursday, April 04, 2002