Bishop Auckland man spoke to underage boys online

The warning was given by a judge to Declan Sains, who is awaiting sentence after admitting a series of offences relating to three boys, committed last summer.

But Judge Richard Clews said he wants the defendant to be assessed for the danger he poses to the public of committing further serious offences before he is sentenced.

Defendant Declan Sains admitted eight charges, including sexual communicating with boys, when he appeared at Durham Crown Court earlier this year (Image: The Northern Echo)

Sains, 28, of HMP Durham, appeared via video link from the prison, in January, when he admitted two counts of causing or inciting a boy to engage in sexual activity, at Bishop Auckland, in July 2025.

He also admitted three counts each of engaging in sexual communication with a child and making indecent images of a child.

Sains, again appearing via video link from Durham Prison, was to have been sentenced at Teesside Crown Court today (Tuesday March 10).

But Judge Clews said given the seriousness of the latest charges the defendant should be assessed for the danger he poses of committing further offences.

He adjourned the case for five weeks to allow the Probation Service to draw up that report.

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Remanding Sains to remain in custody until the sentencing hearing, Judge Clews told him not to labour under any misapprehension that he would be receiving anything other than a prison sentence.

“The overwhelming likelihood, if not the certainty, is that it will be a prison sentence.”

He adjourned the case for sentence on April 16.