AN elderly paedophile has admitted a string of sex attacks on two underage girls.

Maurice Wells, 76, was due to stand trial for a number of sex offences but admitted three counts of sexual activity with a child about ten years ago and three historic counts of indecent assault in the 1990s before proceedings began at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

One of the victims was aged below 16 at the time of the incidents and the second was aged six and seven when Wells forced himself on her.

The Crown Prosecution Service decided it was not in the interest of justice to pursue other offences he was alleged to have committed.

Sentencing of Wells has been adjourned until March and he will undergo a number of medical reports.

Speaking to Wells, Judge David Turner QC said: “Your sentencing seems a long way away but it is in your best interest proper material is prepared."

The judge also praised prosecutor Emma Nash and Richard Potts, mitigating for Wells, for finding a solution which would not see the two victims have to give evidence.

He added: “This is a solution which has spared the victims the stress and indignity of having to appear in the witness box.”

Wells, of Walton Road, Clacton, who was wearing a pink polo shirt and jeans, apologised to members of his family in the public gallery saying he was sorry to be putting them through this as he was taken away.

There was no application for bail, meaning Wells will be remanded in custody until he is sentenced.