A SERVING town councillor could be jailed in the New Year after he admitted two counts of historic child abuse.

Peter McLaughlin, former chairman of Stanley Town Council, entered guilty pleas to two counts of indecent assault at Carlisle Crown Court on Tuesday (November 4).

The charges relate to the sexual abuse of 15-year-old by the former coach driver in the early 1990s.

The 61-year-old, of Murray Park, Stanley, has always denied wrong-doing since his arrest and already been on trial twice.

But he changed his plea to guilty on the day a third trial was about to start.

Earlier, the court had heard that the defendant deliberately befriended his victim at a time when he worked as a driver for Redcrest Holidays, travelling all over Britain and Europe.

In court today, prosecutor Kim Whittlestone outlined how the allegations have already been scrutinised during two trials.

During the first, the illness of a juror led to the case being abandoned and in April the jury was unable to reach a verdict.

The decision to accept the two guilty pleas offered was reached after detailed consultation with the victim, who otherwise would have faced the prospect of testifying for a third time.

The victim acknowledged that McLaughlin’s pleas reflected his admission “of a continuous course of conduct” when he was 15, said Miss Whittlestone.

As a result of the guilty pleas, Judge Peter Hughes QC ordered that Mclaughlin, should sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.

The period of time he will be on the register will be determined by the sentence that is ultimately imposed.

The judge also made the defendant subject to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which severely restricts his future contact with any child.

Referring to the victim’s decision to accept the guilty pleas, Miss Whittlestone added: “He wants to ensure that this doesn’t happen again, hence the Sexual Offences Prevention Order.”

She added that the 13 unresolved allegations of indecent assault, relating to when the victim was 13 and 14, are likely to be left to lie on file.

Judge Hughes granted McLaughlin bail until the sentencing hearing on January 2 so that background reports can be prepared.

He added that he will be considering all sentencing options.

Since leaving Cumbria, McLaughlin has become actively involved in local politics.

After his arrest he stood down as town council chairman and resigned from The Labour Party.

He is also a former chairman of the Stanley Area Action Partnership and stood unsuccessfully as a Labour candidate for Tanfield ward in the last Durham County Council local election.

McLaughlin is still a town councillor and has not resigned from his post since entering guilty pleas.

Derek Shingleton, clerk of Stanley Town Council, said: “The council has been made aware of the outcome of the proceedings involving Stanley town councillor Peter McLaughlin at Carlisle Crown Court.

“We will, of course, be required to consider the situation as soon as possible, however, the council is aware of the provision of section 80(d) of the Local Government Act 1972, which disqualifies any councillor from holding office if he is convicted of any offence for which he is sentenced for a term of imprisonment of not less than three months without the option of a fine.

“No final decision can be taken by the council until the judge passes sentence in January.”