Former BBC Wales presenter Ben Thomas has pleaded guilty to child sex offences including a string of allegations of child sex abuse.
Thomas, 44, was accused of sex assaults, voyeurism, and child porn offences starting in 1990 until last year when he was arrested.
Thomas, from Flintshire in Wales, worked for BBC Wales as a reporter and a presenter on Ffeil, the Welsh language news programme for young people, and on Wales Today
He left the BBC in 2005 to preach on the streets of London, before returning to Wales in 2008 as pastor of the Criccieth Family Church in Gwynedd.
He left his post last year after the allegations came to light.
DC Lynne Willsher from North Wales Police said: “Ben Thomas’ offending involved the serious sexual abuse of vulnerable young children by a religious leader.
“It is an awful breach of the trust placed in him by the victims and their families, and I cannot begin to imagine what impact the revelation of his offending has had on them.
‘Today in court, Ben Thomas has admitted perpetrating 40 sexual offences. As a result of this, his victims have been spared the harrowing ordeal of a lengthy trial.
“North Wales Police are very grateful for the strength and courage shown by all victims and their families; this has greatly assisted our investigation to ensure justice has been done today.
“I am also grateful to the Evangelical Church and their safeguarding team for their assistance during the investigation.
“If there is a message to come from this, it is that anyone who faces abuse should understand that your safety and wellbeing remains North Wales Police’s priority and you can contact us on 101.”
Judge Niclas Parry at Mold crown court bailed him until sentencing on August 18th.
He told Thomas :”The inevitable sentence is a significant custodial sentence.”
Share on your Social Networks