A child molester is facing a prison sentence after sexually abusing five schoolgirls in Hyndburn.



Ronald Boothby, 59, admitted three charges of causing or inciting a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity, seven allegations of sexual activity with a child and one count of gross indecency.



Boothby, formerly of Apple Close, Blackburn, was spared prison in 2009, after admitting two counts of a sexual assault against a girl.



He was given 52 weeks in custody, suspended for two years with supervision.



Boothby was also convicted of indecently assaulting a young girl more than 30 years ago and had been given a hospital order, Burnley Crown


Court heard.



Boothby, who has learning problems, is already the subject of a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order banning him from having contact with


children.



He has been disqualified from working with youngsters and is on the sex offenders' register.



The new offences came to light when victims went to the police after the 2009 case was reported in the local press.



One victim told police: "He would always be smiling. He would never take no for an answer."



The child, who claimed Boothby forced her to commit sex acts on him, was too scared to tell her parents. Another victim told how she tried to


kick Boothby off her, but he threatened to shut her up.



When the defendant was arrested over the first three victims, he made no comment. When the two other girls came forward, he gave a prepared


statement, denying any sexual activity with the girls.



Miss Dodd said when Boothby had been arrested over the 2009 case, he claimed the victim was as much to blame, as she had led him on.



Ian Whitehurst, for Boothby, said he had a limited IQ and had not reoffended since being given the suspended sentence.



The defendant, who expected to go to jail, could be given a sentence with extended licence and not a "somewhat Draconian" sentence for public


protection.



The barrister added: "There is a package in place which could reduce the risk to the public from this defendant."



Boothby, who has been living in Liverpool, is due to be sentenced on Thursday, March 10.