A MAN who took children for a ride in the back of his van without the permission of their parents could be facing a prison sentence.

Trevor George Hallcup was warned that all options remain open for the judge who sentences him on his return to court later this year.

It follows his ‘guilty’ pleas, at Durham Crown Court, to four counts of child abduction, relating to three boys and a girl, aged 11 to 14, who he took for a ride on May 2, last year, having not informed their parents or guardians.

Thirty-two-year-old Hallcup, of Dunn Road, Peterlee, denied three further charges, of false imprisonment, and one of careless driving, stemming from the same set of circumstances on that day.

Jane Waugh, for Hallcup, said his admissions were on a basis deemed “acceptable”, by prosecution counsel, Richard Bennett.

Mr Bennett told the court that when the defendant returns for sentence the other charges, which he denied, would be left to, “lie on the file”, by the Crown.

Miss Waugh asked for preparation of medical and Probation Service reports on her client ahead of the sentencing hearing.

“He suffers a number of medical problems and is taking, on prescription, some strong medication.

“The report should explore both his recent and previous medical history.”

Recorder Ian Atherton bailed Hallcup to return for sentence on November 2, and told him he would be dealt with on the full facts, as outlined by the prosecution, adding that he could make, “no promises”, as to the outcome.

The bail terms prohibit Hallcup having contact with anyone aged under 16.