Telford man found guilty of Shrewsbury child abuse charges
A Telford man has been found guilty of three offences of sexual activity with a young girl seven years ago.
Lee Finch, 38, of Park Street, Madeley, had denied the charges relating to the girl who was aged nine at the time of the incidents.
At Shrewsbury Crown Court, Finch was found guilty by a jury following a three-day trial that took place in his absence.
Judge Peter Barrie said it had been the defendant's decision not to attend for his trial and adjourned sentence until November 27.
A warrant has already been issued for Finch's arrest but Judge Barrie said it would allow time for police to trace the defendant.
The jury had heard that the three incidents were said to have happened in a house in Shrewsbury on dates between March and October 2008.
The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, did not report the matters to police until last year.
Her interview with the police was recorded and played to the court and she gave evidence in court via a video link.
Finch had denied that any sexual abuse happened when he was interviewed by police last year.
