A KENDAL man has been put on the Sex Offender Register after he admitted three sex offences involving a child.

Stephen Wetton, 62, of Garden Street, Kendal, entered guilty pleas to three allegations when he appeared before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court. Those offences were outlined in court as follows:

  • That he attempted to cause or incite a child – a girl aged 13 - to engage in sexual activity on April 27, 2020.
  • That he attempted to cause or incite a child – the same 13-year-old – to engage in sexual activity on May 5, 2020.
  • And that he attempted to sexually communicate with a 13-year-old between April 15, 2020 and May 20 of that year, doing so for his own sexual gratification and knowing or believing that the person was aged 13.

The defendant’s defence barrister told the court that Wetton was a man of previous good character and requested a pre-sentence report. “The defendant is aware that the Sex Offender Register will bite as of today,” said the barrister.

Judge Nicholas Barker told the defendant that the period for which the defendant will remain on the Sex Offender Register will be determined by the length and nature of sentence that he ultimately receives.

The judge set the sentencing date as May 26, granting the defendant bail until that day. In the meantime, a background report will be prepared.