A man has admitted molesting a primary school-aged girl over a period of years.
William Swandle, 65, was warned on Thursday (April 27) that he faced a lengthy period behind bars.
Appearing before Oxford Crown Court via video link from HMP Bullingdon, Swandle pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child under-under 13 by penetration and sexual assault of a child under-13 between 2021 and this year.
He denies performing a sex act in front of the girl and playing pornography to her.
Judge Maria Lamb warned the defendant, who appeared over the link wearing a turquoise-coloured t-shirt, that he faced a ‘substantial’ period in custody.
She said: “There will be what is called a pre-sentence report, which is a report by the probation service, first of all because you have not been before the courts before for any criminal offending but also because these are offences which are called specified offences and that means that the court will have to consider whether you are a dangerous offender.”
If he is found to be ‘dangerous’ by the judge, he will be given an extended period on licence being supervised by the probation service.
Even if not found to be ‘dangerous’, anyone convicted of sexual assault of a child under-13 by penetration faces an automatic extra year on licence as a ‘sexual offender of particular concern’.
Swandle, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody to return to court on May 25 for sentencing.
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