Kitchener massage therapist James Ward pleaded guilty to two counts of child pornography and two counts of voyeurism in a Kitchener courtroom Wednesday morning.

Defense lawyer Bernard Cummins said the plea reflects well on his client's sense of responsibility.

"It saves all of these victims from really being almost re-victimized by virtue of having to testify," he said. "That is no longer required, because he has admitted the allegations."

Ward was arrested in June, after former clients alleged he had recorded them without their knowledge during massage appointments.

He was originally charged with several counts of voyeurism. The charges of child pornography were added later, according to Cummins, when it was discovered that some of the clients affected were under the age of 18.

Although Ward was charged with 12 counts under the Criminal Code, Cummins said eight of the charges were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea.

Ward, who was not taken into custody, will return to court for sentencing on Jan. 27.