Former Workington accused of ‘paying teenagers for sexual services’

Paul Adams, 76, from Workington, was not asked to make a formal confession when he appeared via video link before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court, where he faces six charges.

He is accused of four counts of sexual abuse of a child. In another case, he is alleged to have sexually abused a man.

According to court documents, the charge of paying for sexual services for a 16-year-old boy relates to events that occurred in Workington between April 16, 2012 and April 15 of the following year.

According to the public prosecutor’s office, there are several alleged victims.

After drawing up a detailed timetable for the case, Judge Michael Fanning set June 23 next year as the start date for the trial, which is expected to last up to seven days.

The accused has since been taken into custody.

The defendant, a former teacher and pastor who also worked in theatres in West Cumbria, had previously given his address as Banklands, Workington. During the 20-minute hearing he spoke only to confirm his personal details.