Man admits sexual assaults on two girls

A 38-year-old man has admitted repeated sexual assaults on two children.

Paul Allen, from County Down, appeared in Downpatrick Crown Court on Tuesday. His barrister asked for him to be re-arraigned on 13 of the 18 offences against him.

Allen, with an address at Cherryhill Crescent in Dundonald, entered guilty pleas to a total of 10 offences of sexually assaulting the two girls when they were under 13 years old, on dates between January 2020 and February 2024.

The 38-year-old also admitted attempted sexual assault and two charges of causing or inciting a child aged 13-16 to engage in a sexual activity.

The other five charges, relating to sexual communication with the children and inciting sexual activity, were "left on the books".

Allen was released on bail but was told by the judge that the sentence he faces is "almost certainly going to include a significant period in custody".

The judge said "the offences before this court are very serious, you understand that now".

He will be sentenced on 20 November and will have to sign the sex offenders register.