A JURY have been told how a man pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting two children 20 years ago during a trial into new allegations.

The judge at Bournemouth Crown Court allowed the evidence to be submitted during a hearing of historic abuse relating to Peter Hamilton-Harvey.

Jurors were told of his previous convictions when he pleaded guilty to two offences of indecently assaulting two nine-year-old boys in 1993 at Winchester Crown Court. The incidents happened in 1992.

Judge Brian Forster QC said: "If I did not admit the evidence I believe the jury would be hearing this on an entirely false basis."

The evidence was submitted as part of an ongoing hearing into the 56-year-old's alleged conduct from 1983-1993.

Yesterday, a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claimed Hamilton-Harvey involved her in lewd acts at a number of public places including Splashdown, Branksome Dene Chine and Highcliffe Castle.

During her evidence she said he had lured her to his attic, claiming there were ghosts there.

"As a kid I didn't believe in ghosts so I was like 'prove it to me'. That was how he got me into his house," she said, claiming the abuse lasted several years.

"I knew he was stronger than me," she said. "I felt completely trapped. I'm not one of these people; I haven't got the confidence to push people away. I was too scared to get away. He made everything seem really exciting. I just did what I was told."

She also claimed he gave her port on one occasion when she stayed the night.

"Everything's really enticing when your that age, you know?"

Defending was Robert Grey who asked the defendant how she was transported to the places of alleged abuse.

After she told him "Hammy" would drive Mr Grey said: "I'm going to suggest he can't drive. He can't do it. Hammy has never had a driving license. Is it your mind that's at fault?"

The victim responded: "I've just had a brain operation. I have seen him driving a car."

Mr Grey said: "I'm sorry to hear about that but do you think you might be wrong? It didn't happen did it. That account you've given about going in a car with Hammy and going to Highcliffe is something that simply did not happen."

She said: "You can say that but I went through it."

Hamilton-Harvey, of Dean Park Road, denies all 13 charges of sexual offences including indecent assault and rape.

The trial continues.