Former Lifeguard Robert Nixon Faces Jail

A former Cleethorpes lifeguard is facing jail after admitting sexually assaulting a young girl and possessing hundreds of indecent images of children.

Some of the images in Robert Nixon's possession fell into the most serious category of child abuse.

Nixon (26), formerly of Humberston Fitties, worked at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre for two years before his arrest earlier this year.

Though none of the offences took place at the Leisure Centre, his bosses immediately suspended his employment when the allegations came to light in May. His employment has been terminated.

Nixon admitted sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl four times between November 2006 and May 2008.

He also admitted 25 counts of possessing indecent images of children ? which related to more than 1,500 images ? before May 2008.

More than 100 fell into levels four and five, the most serious categories.

He also admitted 17 counts of making indecent images of children before May this year.

Judge Robert Moore, sitting at Grimsby Crown Court, warned him that it is likely he will be jailed when he is sentenced later this year.

Another charge of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl between November 2006 and November 2007 was left to lie on file.

Peter Smith, manager of Cleethorpes leisure centre, which is operated by Sports Leisure Management on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "This person had been appropriately checked by the criminal records bureau and had a good employment record.

"As soon as the situation came to light, Sports Leisure Management took immediate action to suspend their employment contract at the centre.

"This is now a private matter between the person in question and the police, without the involvement of Sports Leisure Management or Cleethorpes Leisure Centre."

Nixon will be sentenced in December.

This is Grimsby