Former BBC Presenter admits 40 sekx offences,number of them against children

A former BBC presenter turned evangelical preacher has admitted to committing 40 sekx offences, a number of them against children, across 30 years.

Benjamin David Thomas from Coed Onn Road in Flint, Wales, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday before Judge Niclas Parry.

The ex-BBC presenter admitted ten counts of sexual activity with a child, eight sexual assaults, and four attempts to commit sexual assault.

Thomas, who was once a respected preacher at the Criccieth Family Church in Gwynedd, also pleaded guilty to nine indecent assaults, seven counts of voyeurism and two counts of making indecent videos of children.

Some of the offences date all the way back to 1990, but the most recent offences happened at the end of last year.

He has been given bail until his next appearance at Mold Crown Court on August 18, when he will be sentenced.

Judge Parry told the 44-year-old that he would be given credit for his early guilty pleas, but warned a ‘significant custodial sentence’ was inevitable.

DC Lynne Willsher of North Wales Police, said: ‘Ben Thomas’ offending involved the serious sexual abuse of vulnerable young children by a religious leader.

‘It is an awful breach of the trust placed in him by the victims and their families, and I cannot begin to imagine what impact the revelation of his offending has had on them.

‘Today in court, Ben Thomas has admitted perpetrating 40 sexual offences.

‘As a result of this, his victims have been spared the harrowing ordeal of a lengthy trial.

‘North Wales Police are very grateful for the strength and courage shown by all victims and their families; this has greatly assisted our investigation to ensure justice has been done today.

‘I am also grateful to the Evangelical Church and their safeguarding team for their assistance during the investigation.

‘If there is a message to come from this, it is that anyone who faces abuse should understand that your safety and wellbeing remains North Wales Police’s priority and you can contact us on 101, or online via our live webchat.’

-BBC