A SHOP OWNER is facing deportation after admitting sex attacks on two children.

Preman Mudilikulam, 53, had previously pleaded not guilty but appeared at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday and admitted two charges of indecent assault. Robert Woodcock, prosecuting, said a notice of deportation had already been served on Mudilikulam, who was bailed to an address in Percy Terrace, Hendon, Sunderland. He is due to appear before the court next month for sentence.

PRIZE HOPE: A North-East author has been selected for the Booker Prize longlist. Julia Darling's second book, The Taxi Driver's Daughter, is among 23 novels being considered for the £50,000 prize. Set in Heaton, near Newcastle, it tells the story of 15-year-old Caris, whose life is turned upside down when her mother is jailed for shoplifting. Julia, a poet and playwright, won the Northern Rock Foundation Writer's Award earlier this year. The Booker shortlist will be announced on September 16.

CHIEF RETIRES: Chief Superintendent Paul Gregory, of Scarborough police, North Yorkshire, is to retire. He joined York City Police in 1967 and has also served at Malton, Richmond and Northallerton. He became commander of the eastern division of North Yorkshire Police, covering Scarborough, Ryedale and Hambleton, and two years ago moved to the force's headquarters at Newby Wiske to become head of the justice administration department.

GUILTY PLEAS: A man who appeared at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday admitted sex attacks on a young girl. Peter Houry, 38, entered guilty pleas to the charges involving a girl under the age of 14, dating back almost eight years. Houry, whose current address is in Liverpool, admitted indecent assault between 1995 and 1999 in Sunderland. The case was adjourned until next month for reports.

FUN FOR ALL: A sports and fun day will be held at Winston, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, on Saturday, August 30, from 2pm. Attractions include sports, games, a tug-of-war, fancy dress and cream teas. A barbecue will be held from 5pm followed by an auction of gifts and promises.

TWO HURT: Two people were injured in a crash involving a van and a car, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, yesterday. Firefighters freed a woman from one of the vehicles. An elderly man was also hurt in the accident, on Park Head bank, Coundon, at 5.15pm yesterday. Both were taken to the University Hospital of North Durham.

STUDENT SITE: Natwest Bank has launched a website for students starting at university next term. Students can apply for bank accounts online at www.natwest.com/students

ROBBERY CHARGE: Brian Gilchrist, 27, of no fixed address, appeared before Peterlee magistrates, in County Durham, yesterday, accused of robbing a teenager of £98 in holiday money. He is due to appear at crown court on Thursday.

BAND CONCERTS: There will be a concert at Saltburn bandstand on Saturday, from 6.30pm to 8pm by the Teesside Wind Band. On Sunday, Langbaurgh Brass Band play from 2.30pm to 4pm. In the event of bad weather, Saturday's concert will be at the Community Theatre and Sunday's will be held in Emmanuel Church.