A man who denies attempting to have sex with a sheep has been labelled “lewd, obscene and disgusting” during the opening stages of his trial today.

Paul Lovell, of Magpie Close, Enfield, is on trial for outraging public decency by behaving in an indecent manner - namely trying to commit sexual acts with animals.

The alleged events took place in Archers Wood, close to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club's training ground in Whitewebbs Lane, Enfield, on September 4, 2013.

The 61-year-old previously pleaded not guilty to the charge at Wood Green Crown Court in November.

After a jury was sworn in this morning, prosecutor Robert Hutchinson delivered his opening statement.

He said Mr Lovell had walked into a field and unsucessfully tried to penetrate a cow's mouth.

Mr Hutchinson continued: “He moved into another field and tried his luck with some sheep. The witnesses saw him trying to encourage a sheep by using a gesture to move the sheep towards his groin area. He tried to entice the sheep to lick or suck upon his genitals.”

Couple Lawrence Stephan and Natasha Brennan called the police after they allegedly saw the incident whilst they were having a picnic.

Mr Hutchinson added: “Both the witnesses were disgusted and appalled by what they saw. He tried to penetrate the rear of the sheep with a thrusting motion but he was unsuccessful. This was a lewd, obscene and disgusting act.”

During the opening statement from the prosecution, one juror could not contain themselves and let out a laugh midway through.

After Mr Hutchinson had concluded his statement, Judge James Patrick reminded the jury that if they did wish to laugh, they should “save it until lunch”.

The defence will be giving their statement this afternoon and Mr Stephan will be giving his evidence.

The trial continues.