A 35-YEAR-OLD man has admitted sexually assaulting three young girls in the swimming pool of the Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen last year.

Cristian Diaz, originally from Spain, but with an address at East Bridge Street, Enniskillen, was charged with sexually assaulting the three girls, all under the age of 13.

The offences were committed on February 24, March 10, and March 12, 2015, and involved girls who were aged between nine and 11.

A PSNI detective constable told an earlier hearing in the case that, on each occasion, the assaults had occurred as the girls were swimming in the pool at the Lakeland Forum.

The officer said that, in each case, the perpetrator was alleged to have dived into the pool wearing dark goggles and a blue swimsuit, with the assaults taking place underwater.

At the earlier hearing in the case, the detective had told the court that the defendant had a swipe card to use the facilities at the Lakeland Forum and was also seen in CCTV footage in areas adjacent to the pool at times which correlated to the offences.

The Spaniard, who has no previous convictions in this jurisdiction or abroad, was arrested on March 15, 2015. During interview, he denied the offences.

Appearing before Dungannon Crown Court on Monday, the defendant entered guilty pleas to each of the three charges.

His Honour Judge Stephen Fowler QC then adjourned the case until January, to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Once Diaz has been convicted of sexual offences, he will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register.