By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 13:14, Wednesday, 26 September 2012

A man from west Cumbria has been put on the sex offenders’ register after admitting the sexual abuse of two schoolboys.

John Sewell, of Eaglesfield Street, Maryport, was due to go on trial at Carlisle Crown Court yesterday to answer 25 allegations of sexual offences against the two boys, then aged nine to eleven, in the early 1990s.

But the trial became unnecessary when, after lengthy discussions with his legal advisers, the 59-year-old pleaded guilty to nine of the charges – all said to be just specimens to give examples of his repeated behaviour over two years.

Sewell pleaded guilty to four offences against the first boy – two of indecently assaulting him, and one each of indecency with a child and inciting him to commit an act of gross indecency. He also admitted five charges against the second boy; two of indecent assault, two of indecency with a child and one of gross indecency.

A further 16 alleged offences, which he denied, were left lying on the court file and will not be proceeded with.

Prosecuting counsel Brendan Burke told the court the pleas were accepted by Sewell’s two victims, who had arrived at court to give evidence against him.

Sewell was remanded on bail for background reports on condition that he does not contact any prosecution witnesses. He will be sentenced on November 5.

The judge, Recorder Simon Medland QC, told him all options, including prison, were open.

“These are serious criminal offences,” he said.

First published at 11:30, Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk