Am-dram stalwart admits six sex offences against teenage girls

A stalwart of the amateur dramatics scene in the North East admitted six charges of sexually abusing two teenage girls.
Maurice McShane has admitted six charges of sexually abusing two teenage girls.Maurice McShane has admitted six charges of sexually abusing two teenage girls.
Maurice McShane has admitted six charges of sexually abusing two teenage girls.

Maurice McShane had previously denied the offences, and was due to stand trial at Teesside Crown Court this week.

McShane, 53, of Ambleside Avenue, Seaham, has been involved with amateur theatre for more than 20 years, and played leading roles in many musicals for North East companies including Roker-based St Andrew’s Operatic Society, Seaham’s Vane Tempest Theatre Group, Murton Theatre Group, and the Gilbert and Sullivan Society in South Shields.

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On the morning his trial was due to start, McShane pleaded guilty to four indecency charges against a girl.

He admitted charges of sexual activity with a child, and sexual assault of a child, both against a different victim.

No details of the offences were given in court.

Paul Curragh, defending, said: “I believe there will need to be a probation report before sentence is passed.

“Mr McShane is a man of previous good character, and he has a partner and son.”

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The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, ordered a pre-sentence report.

The judge told McShane: “I will need to know more about you, and how much of a risk you pose to children.

“You should not let the preparation of a report lead you to the view the sentence will be anything other than custody.”

The judge adjourned the case until March 21, and ordered McShane to register immediately as a sex offender.

The length of his registration is dependent on the type and length of sentence he receives.

McShane was bailed on condition he does not contact any witnesses in the case.