A SCHOOL teacher has admitted sexually assaulting a boy pupil during a lesson.

Anthony Watson also admitted possessing more than 500 child pornography images on his computer, when he appeared in court.

Preston Crown Court heard that two of the images were categorised at level four - next to the most serious level of child porn pictures.

Mr Dennis Watson, prosecuting, said the basis of the defendant's guilty plea was that there was an 'intentional touching' during a lesson.

This had occurred at a moment of weakness, according to the defendant.

Watson, 24, of Pilling, pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault on a nine-year-old boy which happened in June last year.

Watson, believed to have been a scout master, also admitted nine offences relating to the pos-session of indecent photographs of children.

It is understood that the defendant was suspended from his job when the allegations were made against him.

Watson was told by Judge Philip Sycamore that he must immediately sign on the Sex Offenders' Register.

The case was adjourned so that a background report can be prepared by the probation service.

The judge warned the defendant he had admitted 'serious offences' and all sentencing options, including immediate custody, remained open.

He granted Watson bail. Watson is due to return to Preston Crown Court for sentencing on August 31.