A 72-year-old man yesterday admitted sexually assaulting a young girl more than 40 years ago.

Bernard Marshall, of Smith’s, pleaded guilty to unlawfully and indecently assaulting a girl under the age of 14 in Magistrates’ Court. The incident took place between January 1, 1970, and September 14, 1972.

The court heard that Marshall was between 24 and 26 years old at the time. The victim was aged between 8 and 10.

He apologised for his actions in the court.

Prosecutor Maria Sofianos said that the Crown would be seeking a custodial sentence. Senior magistrate Juan Wolffe ordered a social inquiry report on Marshall and granted him bail in the amount of $15,000 with one like surety. Marshall will return to court on August 17.