Telford pervert facing jail for offences against a child

A man from Telford has been warned he is facing jail after being found guilty of a raft of sex offences against a child. Stephen Pickering was charged with indecently touching the child.

Pickering, 56, of Viewlands Drive in Trench, was charged with indecently touching the child on a number of occasions between July 29, 2009, and June 25 last year.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard that he also used children's internet sites to stay in regular contact with the child.

Pickering had denied all 13 charges against him but was found guilty on all counts by a jury yesterday.

The court had previously heard how Pickering had been spotted sexually assaulting a child on June 24 last year.

CCTV footage had also shown him acting indecently at Telford's international rail freight terminal.

In his summarising comments, Judge Peter Barrie said that Pickering had tried to set up Facebook and gmail accounts for the girl.

He said that Pickering had also made contact using websites for children such as MovieStarPlanet.

Judge Barrie said: "You (Pickering) must be advised you are likely to face a custodial sentence."

The case has been adjourned for sentencing on May 14.

Pickering was granted bail until that date.