A MAN who encouraged a boy to send him photographs of himself naked and carrying out a sex act, was told to expect to receive a prison sentence next month.

Judge Christopher Prince gave the warning to Stephen Boshier, 53, after he admitted two counts relating to his recent communications with a 13-year-old boy, during a short plea hearing at Durham Crown Court.

Appearing via video link from nearby Durham Prison, Boshier admitted causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and engaging in sexual communication with a child, both offences said to have taken place between September 1 and 19.

Following the pleas, Judge Prince said he would adjourn the case to enable the complainant, or his family, to make a victim personal statement, to be read in person, or by prosecuting counsel, to the sentencing hearing.

“The victim can be consulted as to how that might be conveyed to the court, however he wishes.”

Addressing defence counsel, Chris Baker, Judge Prince said: “I assume your client has been advised that custody is inevitable, in a case like this?”

Mr Baker confirmed: “He has, your honour.”

Adjourning, the judge told Boshier, of Conistion Crescent, Crook, he will be subject to registration as a sex offender, for a timespan to be agreed at the next hearing.

He remanded him to remain in custody until the sentencing hearing, on November 17.