A MARRIED vicar has shocked his community by admitting to a sexual relationship with a girl of 13.

The Reverend Kevin Conway's young victim is being offered support from the Bishop of Durham as Conway awaits sentence by a judge.

Sunderland Magistrates' Court yesterday heard how father-of-three Conway began a relationship with the schoolgirl when she was 12, before having sex with her after she turned 13.

Stephen Rich, prosecuting, said: "Concerns were raised by various people about this, not least the girl's parents."

After police arrested Conway, the girl told officers the pair had started by holding hands and "open-mouth kissing".

They had sex after her 13th birthday in Conway's car in a car park in Seaham.

Conway, formerly of Moorside, Sunderland, admitted three offences of unlawful sexual intercourse, two of indecent assault, and one of gross indecency.

Mr Rich urged magistrates to commit Conway, 37, to crown court for sentence.

He said: "This is a case which the Crown says is clearly aggravated by the position of trust the defendant was in, in relation to this young girl."

Geoff Lockerbie, in mitigation, told the court Conway was "full of remorse" for what had happened.

He said: "He accepts totally his responsibility. He was pleading guilty as early as possible to spare witnesses the ordeal of coming to court.

"This was at no time a case where there was any form of coercion whatsoever.

"There was a relationship that formed between the parties. Although it was wrong, it carried on nevertheless.

"The effect of that, to say the least, has been traumatic. Mr Conway has been forced to live apart from his family.

"It will not be possible for him to carry on with the career, the calling, that he had before this time."

At the family home yesterday, Conway's wife declined to talk about the case

The congregation at St Wilfrid's Church, Moorside, spoke of their shock and outrage yesterday.

One member said: "Rev Conway was a popular young vicar who seemed devoted to the church above everything else.

"He has a wife and young family which he appeared to value incredibly highly. It is all so sad and so upsetting for everyone.

"I feel terribly sorry for his wife and children, who must in turmoil."

Bishop Michael Turnbull confirmed a decision on Conway's future in the Church would be made after he is sentenced.

He said: "I continue to be saddened and upset by this situation.

"Mr Conway's admission of guilt will be a shock to the church and the community, and our hearts go out to all those affected by these offences.

"The church is offering support and pastoral care to all those involved."

Magistrates committed the case to Newcastle Crown Court for sentence on a date to be set.

Conway was bailed to an address in Doncaster.