A Hindhead man has pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child after telling a ten-year-old she was “well developed” for her age and that he was attracted to her.
Paul Wright, 45, of Tyndalls, admitted the August 19 offence but denied a second charge of sexual assault of a child aged under 13 when he appeared at Guildford Magistrates Court.
It is alleged both offences took place in Southampton between August 1 and 30, 2020.
Mr Wright confessed to intentionally communicating with his young victim “for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification” but pleaded not guilty to intentionally touching his victim in a sexual way.
He will now be tried on the sexual assault charge.
The court was told Mr Wright “did not reasonably believe” his victim to be aged 16 or over.
The case will proceed to trial on February 5, 2024, at Southampton Crown Court to last three days.
Mr Wright was released on conditional bail.