[A]N Eden man will be sentenced next month after he admitted sex assaults on two girls.
Robert William Berry, 64, faced four charges when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today (THURS).
Berry pleaded guilty to twice sexually assaulting one girl aged under 16. He also admitted a sexual assault on a different girl aged under 13.
His offences, committed during a period spanning nine months in 2016, are said to have occurred in the Appleby area. In addition, Berry pleaded guilty to the possession of indecent photographs of children – 11 images said to be classed in category C – between March, 2000, and September of 2016.
Berry was assisted in the dock by a health and wellbeing coach as the charges were read to him by the court clerk.
At a previous hearing, an indication of not guilty pleas had been given by his lawyer, and a trial was to have taken place in early April.
Judge Barbara Forrester adjourned the case, and asked for the probation service to prepare a report ahead of a sentencing hearing. This will take place at the crown court on April 10.
Berry, of White House Gardens, Penrith, was granted bail until then and must now sign the sex offenders’ register.
Judge Forrester, who made reference to the defendant’s “difficulties”, said of the likely punishment: “I will be looking at a community disposal, potentially with a suspended sentence.”
