A pensioner from Co Down has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register after she admitted indecently assaulting a child four decades ago.
Hazel Templeton, from Ballyrainey Road in Comber, pleaded guilty to one charge committed against a male child but denied a further seven historical sexual offences and will stand trial later this year.
The 79-year old appeared at Belfast Crown Court and after confirming her identity, she was charged that on a date unknown between July 1 and August 31, 1984 she indecently assaulted the child.
When asked how she pleaded, Templeton replied “not guilty.”
She was then charged with a further three indecent assault offences against the same complainant on dates spanning over the same time period and entered not guilty pleas to all three.
Templeton also had three separate counts of inciting the same male child to commit an act of gross indecency with her on a date unknown between July 1 and August 31, 1984 - and denied all three of these charges.
A court clerk then put an additional charge of indecently assaulting the male child on a date between July 1 and August 31, 1984 to her, to which she replied “guilty”.
Following the arraignment, prosecuting barrister James Johnston told Judge Patricia Smyth the plea to the single count “was not accepted” by the Crown and that a trial would be required.
Judge Smyth set the date for December 9.
The Belfast Recorder said that “in light of the guilty plea”, Templeton was now “required to sign the Sex Offenders Register”.
Templeton was released on continuing bail.
