By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 13:26, Monday, 11 March 2013

A man has been put on the sex offenders’ register after admitting having sex with two under-age schoolgirls.

Stephen James English, 21, pleaded guilty at Carlisle Crown Court to a total of 10 charges of sexual activity with the girls.

Eight of those charges involved a girl aged 15 and two were in respect of a 14-year-old. The offences were committed between November 2011 and September last year.

Defence advocate Mark Shepherd told the court English admitted “an inappropriate relationship” with the girls, but said it was with their consent.

Prosecuting counsel Kim Whittlestone said the prosecution would need “a little time” to consider whether to accept the basis of English’s plea – particularly regarding the number of times he had sex with the older girl, and where it happened – which did not precisely tally with her allegations.

If necessary the girls will have to be called to give evidence at a fact-finding hearing, though Judge Paul Batty QC said he hoped this would not be necessary.

English, who used to live in Oakwood View, Kaber, but has now moved to Westbrook Fields, Kirkby Stephen, was remanded on bail and will be sentenced on March 28.

First published at 13:24, Monday, 11 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk