A COUNTY Durham man has been told to expect a prison sentence after pleading guilty to three sexual offences involving a child.

Alan Jones, from Chilton, admitted to two charges of inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity and one charge of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under the age of 13.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared at Durham Crown Court yesterday.

The 69-year-old, who is a retired factory worker, is in custody and appeared via video link from prison to admit to the historic offences, which were carried out between March 2006 and March 2007.

The case was adjourned to allow the victim to make a statement, which will be heard by the court before the defendant is sentenced.

Jones, of The Cotswalds, who had pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, is due to be sentenced on December 13.

Judge Christopher Prince said: "I will adjourn this to a date in the future because there has to be the opportunity for the victim to make a statement.

"Obviously you will receive a custodial sentence and you will be entered on the sex offenders register from today."

Ian West, who was representing Jones, told the court that he was of previous good character, having had no other convictions.