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A convicted paedophile currently serving a life sentence after raping a toddler has admitted further serious sexual offences.

Aaron Hughes was jailed in 2014 for drugging and raping a sleeping three-year-old in attacks he filmed before selling on the footage.

The 35-year-old, who is currently in HM Parc Prison in Bridgend, pleaded guilty at Newport Crown Court to multiple child sex offences.

Judge Daniel Williams described the offending as “serious”.

Hughes entered guilty pleas to two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of rape.

The charges relate to the period between 2004 and 2008 and involve three teenage boys. Five other counts of sexual activity with a child will lie on file.

Prosecutor Caroline Rees said the pleas were acceptable and the Crown Prosecution Service would not seek a trial.

The matter was originally listed for trial and the victims were briefed to attend court to give evidence but did not have to attend after the defendant changed his pleas.

Prosecutors said there would not be any victim impact statements.

Ms Rees told the court: “There is a significant and relevant antecedent history.”

She added: “The defendant is serving a life sentence in respect of similar offences.”

Hughes appeared via video link from jail for the plea hearing.

Susan Ferrier, defending, said her client had not been receiving medication for his anxiety and depression “for some time” and was “anxious” about leaving prison.

She told the court the offences to which he entered pleas pre-date the offences for which he is serving his current sentence.

Ms Ferrier said a pre-sentence report was compiled in 2014 but she asked for a fresh report.

Judge Williams adjourned the case until April 27 so the Probation Service can compile an up-to-date report.

The judge told the defendant: “You have pleaded guilty to serious offences.

“I cannot sentence you without the assistance of the Probation Service who will prepare a pre-sentence report.”

In 2014 Cardiff Crown Court heard how Hughes had been given a child by babysitter Claire Semmens, who was herself jailed for 16 years after admitting two charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and possessing indecent images.

He was caught when police did a routine check on his computer because they believed he had breached a court order by downloading indecent images of children.

Officers found Hughes had filmed himself raping a child twice and Hughes, previously of Roath, Cardiff, admitted two charges of rape, possessing indecent images and breaching the terms of his sex offenders prevention order.

He was jailed for life and told he would not be considered for parole until he had served 12 years in prison.