Westcliff paedo, 70, admits having indecent images of children


Westcliff paedo, 70, admits having indecent images of children
A paedophile has admitted possessing extreme pornography and indecent images of children.
Francis Thomas, 70, appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday where he admitted three sexual offences which took place last year.
Francis, of North Road, Westcliff, had previously been serving a community order for similar offences after being sentenced several years ago.
However, despite this, he was found to have an image of extreme pornography in April last year, along with indecent images of children in Category C, the least serious kind.
Thomas, dressed in a black shirt with a neckerchief and walking cane, spoke only to confirm his name and admit his crimes.
He also admitted failing to comply with notification requirements for his community order on November 15 last year.
He denied one count of breaching a sexual harm prevention order, which will not be pursued by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Judge Ian Graham adjourned the sentencing until the week beginning August 24.
He said: “It’s important for your point of view that you cooperate with your solicitors and I am not making any promises for the final outcome, as you have a very poor record.”