A former West Cumbria councillor has been told he could receive a prison sentence after he admitted a child sex crime — and must sign the sex offenders’ register with immediate effect.
William James Kirkbride, 57, had been due to stand trial at Carlisle Crown Court today after previously denying two allegations.
But when he appeared in front of a judge, Kirkbride — a former councillor who represented the Harbour ward on Copeland council — instead admitted one charge of attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence.
He and his legal team are submitting a formal basis for that guilty plea to a crime that was committed on October 27 last year.
Kirkbride, of Queen Street, Whitehaven, was told by Recorder Mark Ainsworth that his case was being adjourned for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report.
He is due to be sentenced at the crown court on June 10, and in the meantime was granted bail by the judge.
Kirkbride must sign the sex offenders’ register from today. The precise duration of the notification requirements will be fixed when he is handed his punishment next month.
Have you read?
- Call to ‘Save Our Show’ as Maryport Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society fears for its future
- Kaiser Chiefs and The Voice star to DJ in Cumbria
- Major step forward to support upgrades on Cumbrian Coastal Railway Line
- Further strike action planned for railway this weekend
- Norwegian campaign group protests at Sellafield site
