Earby pensioner faces jail over child sex offences

Anthony Eccleston (78), of Albion Street, admitted sexual activity with a child under 13, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, penetrative sexual activity with a child, attempting to engage in penetrative sexual activity with a child and sexual activity with a child, between July and September last year. The defendant, said to have ongoing health problems, had no previous convictions.

Four more child sex allegations will be left to lie on the file. Eccleston was bailed until June 24th, for a pre-sentence report. He was banned from associating with anybody under 16 and is not to allow anyone under 16 to enter or remain in his home. He was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register. Judge Graham Knowles told him: “The likelihood is that you will be sent to prison and you must prepare yourself for that.”