A MAN from Newton Abbot has pleaded guilty to raping and abusing a girl when she was aged eight to 14.
Thomas Wilson, aged 24, of Webster Place, Newton Abbot, admitted two statutory rapes, five offences of sexual activity with a child, and two sexual assaults on a child.
Judge Robert Linford adjourned his case at Exeter Crown Court until last month and ordered a probation pre sentence report. He released Wilson on bail.
Mr Peter Coombe, prosecuting, said Wilson had entered his pleas on the basis that he believed the girl consented. The guilty pleas to statutory rape were on the basis that the victim was under 13 at the time.
He said the complainant maintains she did not consent but the crown have accepted the plea on the basis that Wilson believed she did.
Mr David Sapiecha, defending, said: ’This defendant is 24 but is not a mature 24 at all. This is a case in which a pre sentence report is essential.’