A PAEDOPHILE has admitted sexually assaulting a young girl.

Michael James, aged 78, preyed on the girl on multiple occasions in Ludlow and Leicestershire on unspecified dates in 2012.

The victim’s identity is protected for legal reasons, as the names of victims of sexual offences cannot be reported. She shall therefore remain anonymous.

James appeared at Telford Magistates’ Court last month and pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching. The court heard that the touching was of a sexual nature.

James, of Ashford Bowdler, was granted bail on the conditions he does not have any unsupervised contact with any children and that he does not interfere with witnesses.

He must sign onto the sex offenders’ register. A pre-sentence report has been ordered.

He has been sent on to Shrewsbury Crown Court, where a date for his sentencing has not been set according to court documents from Telford Magistrates’ Court.