A man has admitted indecently assaulting two girls.

William Watts - admitted charges of indecent assault and child cruelty. (36042-1)

William Watts, of Stour Road, Harwich, was due to stand trial on nine charges of indecent assault and one of child cruelty.

But, at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday he admitted five charges of indecent assault on one girl along with a charge of child cruelty.

The 49-year-old also admitted an indecent assault charge towards another person.

Three remaining charges of indecent assault were left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service as a result of the guilty pleas.

Watts, who was said to be of previous good character, will be sentenced at a later date, after reports have been prepared. He was released on conditional bail

No evidence was offered in relation to two charges of child cruelty faced by Watt's wife, Dawn Watts.

Judge Christopher Ball entered formal verdicts of not guilty on both counts and formally discharged Mrs Watts, 42, from the court.

Published Wednesday, December 15, 2004

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