A former scout leader and foster carer accused of sex offences against eight girls is to admit most of the charges, his lawyer has told Gloucester Crown court.

Mark Weightman, aged 37, formerly of Hewlett Road, Cheltenham, appeared for a plea and directions hearing on the 34 charges against him.

Tim Evans, for Weightman, told Judge Lester Boothman: "It seems there will be guilty pleas to the majority of charges on a very substantial indictment.

"But there is also an allegation of attempted rape and matters of intimidation which we have only just received."

Weightman was remanded in custody until June 4.

Most of the charges relate to the time he lived in Cheltenham where he was a registered foster father and ran St Mark's Scouts.

Used courtesy of the Western Daily Press