A 64-year-old former serviceman, Michael Cox of South Tyneside, has pleaded guilty to a series of child-related sex offences. The charges include making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.
Cox was due to be sentenced but will now have to wait for his sentencing hearing. No further details on the delay were provided by court officials.
According to reports, Cox served tours of duty in Iraq and Northern Ireland before committing the offences. The exact nature of the charges is as follows:
- One count each of making a category A indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child
- Two counts of making category C indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child
- Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
- Arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence - sexual activity, no penetration
The case is ongoing, and Cox will remain on bail until his sentencing hearing.