The man accused of abducting and indecently assaulting a child in Palmerston North has pleaded guilty to all charges

Cheltenham man Brendan Paul Henson​​, 46, entered the pleas in the Palmerston North District Court on Tuesday.

He admitted to indecently assaulting a 5-year-old girl on February 10 and 12, and abducting the girl on February 12 with intent to have a sexual connection.

READ MORE: Alleged abductor's offences occurred on different days

The abduction of the girl received much attention, spawning a manhunt throughout Manawatu involving 30 police officers and a search helicopter.

The victim has automatic name suppression due to her age and the offences.

Defence lawyer Fergus Steedman​ said there was not yet an agreed summary of facts, but one would be ready in time for sentencing.

He did not apply for Henson to be granted bail.

Judge Gregory Ross convicted Henson and remanded him in custody until May for sentencing.

A woman in the public gallery swore at Henson as he was led to the cells.

The judge also ordered a pre-sentence report to check if Henson could pay emotional harm reparation.

Henson was also given his first strike under the three-strikes legislation for serious violent and sexual offences.

If Henson commits any other violent offences, apart from murder, and is sent to prison, he must serve the entire sentence without parole.

Bill Gilliland​, the 91-year-old Hind Place resident who found the 5-year-old on the street near his home was glad Henson at least admitted his offences.

"That's about the only thing he could do."

Palmerston North National list MP Jono Naylor said it was great to see the case quickly resolved with a guilty plea.

"Clearly it's a positive thing for the community and the family," he said.

"One of the things when offenders plead not guilty, is that going through a trial can revictimise the victims."