A MAN who has admitted having two sexual encounters with a girl almost half his age was warned “the overwhelming likelihood” in the case will be a prison sentence.

Christopher Thomas Flintoff is said to have communicated with the under-age girl via social media and then travelled from the Midlands to the North-East on pre-arranged rendezvous, one at a hotel, where the offences took place.

The now 29-year-old defendant , from Walsall, near Birmingham, appeared via video link at Durham Crown Court where the indictment was put him.

He admitted all eight charges.

Seven were of sexual activity with a child, committed on November 18, 2017, and between May 1 and 31, this year.

He also admitted a single count of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, said to have taken place on Wednesday May 9.

Following the pleas, Mr Walker asked for preparation of a background report on Flintoff by the Probation Service.

“He doesn’t have anything comparable, or of the same gravity, on his record, so it may well be of use to the court.

Judge Jonathan Carroll agreed, telling Mr Walker: “Yes, it’s essential that we have a pre-sentence report.”

Addressing Flintoff, Judge Carroll said: “You have pleaded guilty to all the matters you faced.

“The overwhelming likelihood is that the outcome nothing other than a prison sentence.”

Flintoff, who will remain on remand in custody, will be sentenced on February 11.