A MAN accused of two sexual offences has already sought treatment in the community to address his problem, a court was told.

The case of 56-year-old Gary Smith was sent to Durham Crown Court by North Durham magistrates last month, relating to allegations that he engaged in sexual activity in the presence of a child and possessed indecent photographs of a child.

Both offences were said to have been committed on, or before March 17.

Mr Smith appeared at a preliminary hearing in the case at the crown court via video link from nearby Durham Prison today (Wednesday April 1).

Richard Bennett, prosecuting, said the indictment could not be put to the defendant as the police and Crown reviewing lawyer were only meeting today (Wednesday April 1) to assess which level of severity the offending indecent photographs should be classed.

But, Stuart Graham, prosecuting, said the defendant would be admitting all allegations and has already sought assistance from a community-based organisation which assists sex offenders.

Judge Christopher Prince adjourned the case to enable the correct terms of the indictment to be drawn up, and remanded Mr Smith, of Sidney Close, Stanley, County Durham, to remain in custody pending the plea hearing, on Friday, April 10.