Coach's sex attacks over 50 years

A former swimming coach has admitted carrying out sexual assaults on young children over a 50-year period.

Roy Clarke, 79, of Leicester, indecently assaulted the children - girls and boys aged from five to 10 years old - between 1944 and 1997.

The attacks happened at his home in Duncan Road, Aylestone, Leicester, Leicester Crown court heard.

Clarke, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, admitted 16 sexual offences and will be sentenced later.

The court head that Clarke, a former coach with the Leicester Amateur Swimming Association, denied a further 11 similar offences which will now remain on file.

Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Lee Hill said: "Clarke is a predatory paedophile who carried out calculated, systematic and sickening abuse of children for his own gratification. He is a very dangerous man."

Clarke was remanded into custody after Judge Christopher Plunkett adjourned the case for reports.