A MAN of previous good character was told to expect a prison sentence after being convicted of groping two teenage girls.

Leonard Michael Young received the warning as Judge Richard Lowden remanded him in custody following jury verdicts on the eighth day of his trial at Durham Crown Court, yesterday.

Following lengthy deliberations the jury returned majority “guilty” verdicts on three charges of sexual touching or assault involving the two girls.

Young, 60, of Ventnor Avenue, Hartlepool, well known as an environmental campaigner against the proposed dismantling of “ghost ships” in docks in the town, denied the charges.

But, after the verdicts were returned, Young’s barrister, Alexander Krikler, told the court: “He’s now been convicted of serious charges, but prior to these allegations he was a man of good character.

“He’s reached his 60s without getting into any trouble and clearly these are worrying offences and there needs to be a report.

“Certainly, in these circumstances a pre-sentence report would assist.”

Judge Lowden said: “Given the nature of the offences I can’t really sentence without the help of some sort of professional risk assessment.”

Asking for Young’s bail to be extended, prior to sentence later in the month, Mr Krikler said: “He’s been on bail throughout and I ask if that can remain the case while the report is being prepared.”

Refusing the application, the judge said: “There’s no difficulty in seeing a probation officer on remand in custody.”

Addressing Young, Judge Lowden said: “You have been convicted of these three sexual assaults on teenagers.

“The overwhelming probability is there will have to be an immediate prison sentence.

“I’m conscious of the fact that feelings are running very high in your home area about this case and for these good reasons I’m going to remand you in custody in this case, before sentencing.”

Young was cleared by the jury on a charge of intimidating a witness at an earlier hearing, at Teesside Crown Court.

“Not guilty” verdicts were formally returned by the jury on Judge Lowden’s directions on two further allegations of witness intimidation.

After the hearing, a silent Young was led down to the cells by a dock officer, to be brought back to court for sentence on Friday, May 29.