A MAN who preyed on four boys at different times over a 12-year period is seeking help in prison to overcome his “sexual proclivities”, a court was told.

Brian Baird was jailed for a total of 12 years, three years consecutively for offences with each of the victims, who were aged mostly under 13 at the time they were committed.

Durham Crown Court heard that the 56-year-old defendant, who previously had no sexual convictions on his record, was assessed as posing a “high risk” of committing further offences against children in his pre-sentence probation report.

The court heard the offences took place two decades or more ago, but only came to light in recent years.

Baird, of Ellett Court, Myers Avenue, Hartlepool, was charged with nine counts of indecent assault on boys under 16.

He admitted six of the offences, but denied three, at a hearing last month.

Those pleas were accepted by the prosecution, who chose not to proceed with the charges denied by Baird.

Matthew Collins, mitigating, said the defendants’ admissions at the plea hearing ensured the victims did not have to come to court to recount their childhood experiences at Baird’s hands.

He told the court that the guilty pleas reflected the remorse he now feels.

Mr Collins said the defendant suffered from a “troubled” lifestyle from an early age.

“Unfortunately, that has spilled out to effect other people and he now regrets his actions.”

Mr Collins said the defendant has had difficulties with alcohol misuse for much of his adult life, which has played a part in previous offending, but he has made efforts to seek medical assistance to overcome his problems.

“Nevertheless, this is a broken man before the court, who knows he’s going to get a lengthy custodial sentence to reflect the harm he has caused others.”

Mr Collins added that during that time in prison Baird may be able to receive the assistance needed to overcome his, “sexual proclivities”.

Jailing him, Judge Christopher Prince also made Baird subject to restrictions over future contact with children under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, plus a restraining order, preventing contact with any of his victims, both, “until further order”.

He will also be subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender.