A former BBC presenter has been told to expect jail after admitting carrying out 40 sex offences, a number of which were against children, over a 30 year period.
Benjamin David Thomas, who also worked as a preacher at the Criccieth Family Church in Gwynedd, North Wales, admitted ten counts of sexual activity with a child, eight sexual assaults and for attempts to commit sexual assault when he appeared before Mold Crown Court on Friday.
The former presented, 44, also pleaded guilty to nine indecent assaults, seven counts of voyeurism and two counts of making indecent videos of children.
The oldest of the offences date back to 1990, with the most recent offences occurring at the end of last year.
He has been granted bail and will appear in the dock again on August 18 when he will be sentenced.
Our sister paper The Mirror reports how Judge Niclas Parry told Thomas he would be given credit for his early guilty pleas but warned a "significant custodial sentence" was inevitable.
Following today's hearing, 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."
