A BROUGHTON child sex offender has had his sentencing delayed amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Paul Fox, of Broughton Park, went on trial earlier this month accused of seven offences including two counts of rape, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, attempted rape and two counts of sexual assault.

The victims were aged between 13 and 15 at the time of the offences.

The jury at Preston Crown Court found the 42-year-old guilty of all offences apart from one count of attempted rape.

“The offences to which he was found guilty were sexual activity with a child and rape against one victim and two counts of sexual assault, rape and sexual activity with a child against the other victim," said a Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson.

Fox was remanded in custody after the verdict was delivered and was due to return to the court yesterday to be sentenced.

However, staff in the listings office at Preston Crown Court confirmed only one case went ahead yesterday amid concerns for public safety.

A new sentencing date has not yet been confirmed.

A spokesperson for Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service said: “During this unprecedented public health emergency, it’s essential that our courts and tribunals continue to administer justice.

“We’re adjusting practices and taking steps to minimise any risk to the judiciary, staff, professional and public users, including justice partners.

"Any changes to individual hearings will be communicated directly to those affected, usually by email and/or phone.

“We have put in place arrangements to use telephone, video and other technology to continue as many hearings as possible remotely.

"We will make best possible use of the equipment currently available and are working nonstop to update and add to that.

“Some hearings, the most obvious being jury trials, cannot be conducted remotely.”

The Lord Chief Justice this week announced a temporary pause on new jury trials.