Malvern man admits sexual offences against a child

Jason Went, of Cales Avenue, Malvern, had originally indicated denials to all offences when he appeared in front of city magistrates in March. 

But appearing at Worcester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Tuesday, (May 3) a revised indictment was put to him, where he pleaded guilty to three of the counts put to him.

He admitted attempting to cause or incite a child aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, the offence taking place between June 3 and June 7, 2021.

Went admitted sexual activity with a child - that offence taking place on June 4, 2021, and involved grabbing her by the neck and kissing her.

Went also admitted another count of sexual activity with a child - that offence taking place on June 6, 2021, and involved touching her inner thigh.

Debbie Gould, prosecuting, was asked by Judge Martin Jackson if those pleas would be acceptable to the crown, given he had pleaded not guilty to two further counts of sexual activity with a child. 

The prosecutor answered: "The view of myself and a lawyer are those counts the defendant does not accept will make little difference to the sentence of your honour."

The prosecutor added for that reason it would not be in the public interest to further pursue those counts and take them to trial.

Giles Nelson, defending, told the judge there was an application for a pre-sentence report and a psychiatric report.

The judge scheduled the sentence hearing for July 15.

The judge asked Went to stand and the defendant was told he was on conditional bail with requirements not to contact prosecution witnesses. 

READ MORE: Malvern man denies attempting sex with girl aged 14

Judge Jackson said: "As you have pleaded guilty to a number of these charges you will have to come back to court for sentencing. 

"If you don't turn up for court when you have to be here, you could be committing another offence that is also punishable by fine, or imprisonment."