Sentencing update…. January 2018 Shildon man admits attempting to groom children A man has been remanded in custody after admitting attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child through the use of the internet. Mark Whitfield pleaded guilty to two charges, relating to incidents earlier this month, when he appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon. The 46-year-old, of Birch Avenue, spoke only to confirm his name and address before pleading guilty to the charges. John Garside, prosecuting, said Whitfield was already awaiting sentence at Durham Crown Court after earlier pleading guilty to similar charges. He was further remanded in custody until March when he appears in court for sentencing on all matters. Whitfield was caught in a sting operation carried out by online child protection team Redemption https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=210u1Ue_NJQ