A MAN was yesterday warned to expect "a substantial prison sentence", after admitting a string of sex attacks on girls as young as six.

David Joseph Forster was remanded in custody to return to court in three weeks to be sentenced for offences committed between 1969 and 1996.

Durham Crown Court heard that he preyed on three girls, aged between six and 16.

Forster, 62, of Donini House, Easington Colliery, was initially facing 33 counts when he arrived at court for a trial, scheduled to start on Tuesday.

But, following legal discussions, the indictment was re-drafted and 18 charges were put to him in court yesterday.

Forster admitted two counts of rape, on different girls, and 12 counts of indecent assault, involving all three victims.

He denied a charge of attempted rape, a further count of indecent assault, plus two other serious sexual offences.

Prosecuting barrister Julie Clemitson said, given the guilty pleas, the Crown would be happy to allow the four denied allegations to "lie on file" once sentence is passed.

"We take the pragmatic view that it's not in the public interests, or those of the female complainants, to undertake a trial. The witnesses have been informed of the proposed procedure. Given the nature of the case and its age, the complainants have been anguished awaiting to give evidence.

"All the complainants were very concerned about having to give evidence in open court."

Chris Prince, for Forster, requested the preparation of a report by the probation service on his client before sentence.

He said he hoped that Forster's 'guilty' pleas would merit some reduction in the ultimate length of sentence.

"The complainants have not, now, had to attend court, although they have been on standby, with some anxiety about the outcome.

"These are 'guilty' pleas entered by a man who is very conscious of his ill-health.

"But, he hopes to be able to look forward to his eventual release."

Adjourning sentence for reports, Judge Peter Armstrong told Forster: "Obviously you can expect a substantial prison sentence for the matters to which you have pleaded guilty."

He remanded Forster in custody to return for sentence, at Teesside Crown Court, on March 11.