A man accused of “marrying” and having a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to ongoing child sex abuse.



The 27-year-old Lebanese student, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty in Burwood local court on Thursday to one count of persistent sexual abuse of a child, which carries a 25-year maximum jail sentence.



The charge takes in 25 counts of sexual intercourse with a child between 10 and 14, with which the man was originally charged.



He has been ordered not to contact his victim for two years, and a date for sentencing will be decided next week.



Police allege the man married the Hunter valley girl in an Islamic ceremony in January. His “bride” has since turned 13.



The girl’s father will face trial next year.



The man has had his student visa cancelled and is now living in an immigration detention centre in Villawood.





Topics