A SCHOOL caretaker has pleaded guilty to a sexual offence against a girl who was 14 at the time. Brian Palmer, 52 who works at a school in Hitchin, was due to stand trial at Luton Crown Court on Monday but changed his plea to guilty that morning. He admit

A SCHOOL caretaker has pleaded guilty to a sexual offence against a girl who was 14 at the time.

Brian Palmer, 52 who works at a school in Hitchin, was due to stand trial at Luton Crown Court on Monday but changed his plea to guilty that morning.

He admitted that between January 4 and February 28, 2005, he had sexual activity with a child. The offence involved a single occasion when he gave her a French kiss.

Palmer, of Dells Lane, Biggleswade, was remanded on bail and will be sentenced on September 22 when the full facts will be outlined.

Prosecutor Justin Rouse said that when Palmer is sentenced an order will be sought to prevent him working with children in the future. He must also sign the sex offenders' register immediately.

Judge Terence Maher said: "He is not out of the woods yet as far as a custodial sentence is concerned.

"But it is the sort of case where a lot of difference is made by a guilty plea and I will look to see if there is room for a merciful sentence.