A MAN who admitted sexual activity with an underage girl as well as creating, obtaining and distributing thousands of indecent images of children has been told by a judge to expect a "significant custodial sentence".

John Evans, of Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland, pleaded guilty to 21 charges relating to sexual activity with a child under 13, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and making, possessing and distributing indecent images between 2013 and 2017.

The charges relate to just under 3,000 class A images, 7,000 class B images and 9,000 class C images.

Judge Stephen Ashurst told the 52-year-old he would be giving him "false hope" by granting him bail, and described the 21 offences as "serious sexual behaviour".

Evans was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing later this month.