A SEX offender is facing a long jail sentence after a jury convicted him of a series of sex offences committed over a five-year period.

Lee Sean Malcolm Howden, 48, gave an underage girl money and lifts in his car, Rupert Dodswell, prosecuting, told York Crown Court.

He sexually assaulted her on several occasions and also used his phone to covertly take videos and photos of her, and another girl, separately without their knowledge.

A member of his family found the images on his phone and the police were called.

Howden denied behaving improperly towards the first girl and of having any sexual interest in her or the second girl. He claimed the videos and photos had been taken by mistake and that he gave the first girl money because he liked her.

A jury convicted Howden, of Dene Close, Hensall, near Eggborough, of three charges of sexual assault against the first teenager and three of voyeurism. He had denied all the charges.

Judge Deborah Sherwin adjourned his case while probation officers prepared a report on him including the danger he poses to girls in the future.

His barrister Allan Armbrister said: “The defendant appreciates he is facing a lengthy custodial sentence for these matters” and asked for bail until he is sentenced.

The judge remanded him in custody, saying: “I heard evidence during the trial that the defendant had taken an overdose. I appreciate that was denied by him. I do have concerns bearing in mind what the inevitable sentence is likely to be.”

Howden will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on May 28. The offences were committed between January 2008 and August 2013.

During a five-day trial, the jury heard evidence from both girls and the female visitor.

They also heard that Howden had been admitted to hospital with a paracetamol overdose after he had sent text messages indicating he had done wrong.