A MAN originally charged with raping a five-year-old girl is facing jail after admitting attacking her.

Cuthbert Taylor, 51, admitted assault by penetration and sexual activity with a child, between April and June, 2005, when he appeared at Burnley Crown Court. He pleaded not guilty to rape.

The defendant committed a sex act on the little girl and was said to have simulated intercourse with her, the court was told.

Prosecutor David Pickup told the court the allegation of rape would be left to lie on the file when Taylor was sentenced.

Wayne Goldstein, for the defendant, asked for a pre-sentence report. He said Taylor had no convictions for like offences. The defendant was aware he would be going to prison.

Judge Pamela Badley bailed Taylor to Preston Crown Court for sentence on February 23. She told him: " You have pleaded guilty to two serious offences against a young child. This will be a custodial sentence."

Taylor, of Bracewell Close, Nelson, was made subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and was put on the Sex Offenders' Register.