A 50-year-old Halifax man has pleaded guilty in Nova Scotia Supreme Court to sexually abusing three young girls.

Myles Nelson Payne admitted Friday morning to abuse against one girl that started when the victim was just five-years-old. She told Payne's preliminary inquiry that there were more than 1,000 assaults. She is now 35-years-old.

The abuse occurred between 1983 and 2003.

"Most of the incidents were very short in duration, but they were very frequent," said Crown Prosecutor Susan MacKay. "They were children, very young children, up to teenaged years."

MacKay said Payne has been convicted of similar crimes in the past. She's asking for a hearing to see if Payne should be considered a dangerous or long-term offender.

Payne has been released from custody on strict conditions until his next court date, which include avoiding playgrounds and swimming pools.

"Police are checking on him and making sure that he abides by those conditions," said MacKay.

MacKay wouldn't say what length of sentence prosecutors would request from the judge. She said that will be determined after they see a report from a psychiatrist that determines Payne's level of risk to the community.

Payne is scheduled to be back in court on June 13.