A FORMER Wirral doctor has admitted indecently assaulting an eight-year-old boy.

Michael Robert Willis appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and pleaded guilty to two offences which took place 24 years ago.

Willis, aged 50, formerly of Howbeck Close, Birkenhead, denied two other offences of indecent assault against the same boy and these have been ordered to lie on the file.

He was further remanded on bail until October 29 to enable a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Defence counsel Mr Stuart Driver said that Willis was no longer practising as a doctor. There had never been any suggestion of misbehaviour by him during the course of his professional duties, he added.

Mr Driver said that normally prison followed for such offences but he will argue that there are exceptional circumstances for not jailing him.

The offences occurred in 1973 when Willis, who lives in the Chester area, was an assistant Scout master. The victim is now aged 32.

Since the offences came to light earlier this year Willis has resigned as a GP.

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