A PAEDOPHILE, who is a registered sex offender, has pleaded guilty to raping and indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

Peter Maddox, 39, of Bradley Lane, Eccleston, was arrested on June 12, this year after the police were alerted to an incident in Fox Lane, Leyland.

Maddox appeared at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday and was detained for sentencing on October 11.

Afterward the hearing Detective Inspector Neil Hunter, the officer in charge of the Public Protection Unit, said: "Peter Maddox is a dangerous paedophile who took advantage of this young girl using his greater strength to subdue her in order to further his own sexual gratification.

"Once he had gained control over her he subjected her to degrading and serious sexual abuse, which she was powerless to resist.

"This was a difficult, demanding and sensitive investigation involving vulnerable victims and witnesses who required a great deal of support and encouragement."

The girl cannot be named for legal reasons.