A CARETAKER has admitted abusing children.

Malcolm Hicks, aged 50, who worked at Crompton Health Centre, in Astley Bridge, was convicted by a jury of two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13 earlier this year, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict on eight remaining counts.

Hicks, of Hengist Street, Tonge Fold, who has been remanded in custody, has now admitted three counts of sexual activity with a child.

The offences happened last summer.

During the trial in July he was cleared of sexual activity with a child under 13, attempted assault of a child under 13 by penetration and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Hicks denied the charges but admitted allowing girls to stay at his home to avoid it being “a boring house”.

Hicks befriended the children and took them on trips to McDonald’s, Southport and Blackpool.

Judge Peter Davies, addressing Hicks, said: ”You will be sentenced for five offences against children of a sexual nature. You must understand that what awaits is a likely custodial sentence.”

He will be sentenced on January 28.