A MAN has admitted indecency charges against four girls over a period of almost eight years.

Thomas Johnson was yesterday set to stand trial at Durham Crown Court on eight counts of indecent assault, which he denied at a previous hearing.

But when he appeared in court, four of the charges were put to him again and he gave guilty pleas.

The charges relate to incidents involving girls aged under 16 between January 1, 1996, and December 18, last year.

Julie Clemitson, prosecuting, told the court the pleas were acceptable and that the remaining charges were likely to be left on file when Johnson is sentenced next month.

No further details were given at the hearing.

Nigel Wray, in mitigation, requested preparation of a report on Johnson's background before he was sentenced, saying: "He is 44 and of hitherto good character."

Judge Maurice Carr agreed to the preparation of probation reports on Johnson and adjourned sentencing until next month.

He remanded Johnson to a bail hostel in Leeds, to return for sentence at Newcastle Crown Court on a date to be fixed in the week beginning September 6.