A NEWTON man has been put on the Sex Offenders Register after he repeatedly sexually abused a young girl.

Brian Mathews, aged 61, of Wargrave Mews, pleaded guilty to seven offences of sexual activity with a child at Liverpool Crown Court last Friday.

The offences took place more than a decade ago and spanned several years, but they only came to light earlier this year.

Michael Stephenson, prosecuting, told the court that the offences began when the victim was about 10 years old.The abuse continued until she was about 16-years-old.

She finally complained to police after she heard that he had been convicted of outraging public decency and she feared for the safety of other children.

The court heard that Mathews has also previously been convicted for indecent exposure in 1986.

Judge John Roberts said that in the interests of protecting the public, particularly young girls and preventing further offences he would place Mathews on probation for three years.

He said: "A probation order is in your interests and society's rather than locking you up."

He also ordered him to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

Stephen McNally, defending, said that Mathews had pleaded guilty and had sought help from a psychotherapist and support groups.

He added that his employer regards him as a man of professional integrity and his partner's mother had also written a letter in support of him.