A PAEDOPHILE, exposed by the Echo for getting close to children at a karate class, is set to be sent to prison.

Timothy Edmeades, 38, appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday and admitted breaching a sexual offences order.

Edmeades was pictured by the Echo grinning as he watched a performance from Maru Karate Kai last September, after gaining a voluntary role with Basildon Heritage Club.

Yet no-one knew he had been convicted of grooming and sexually assaulting two boys aged nine and ten in 2008 and was banned from working with children.

Addressing Edmeades after he had admitted three breaches of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order, Judge Jonathan Black said: “You should be aware that this matter crosses the custody threshold and you should expect a custodial sentence when you return to the court.”

Edmeades, formerly, of West Road, South Ockendon, who now lives in Bungay, Suffolk, was dressed casually to see his case adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

He was arrested last September after being spotted lurking and taking photos of youngsters as they put on a karate exhibition for Basildon Heritage Club, at Luncies Road, Pitsea.

Police searched his home and found he had bought a laptop since leaving jail in August 2010, which he was also banned from doing under the terms of his sexual offences order.

Officers also learnt he had sent a Facebook friend request to a 13-year-old boy he met at an Olympic celebration in Wickford.

His solicitor, Matthew Bone, said: “This is a man who was punished in 2008, but has tried to rebuild his life and became involved in a charitable organisation.

He then came into contact with children.

“There is no suggestion of any improper conduct.

“There is just one suggestion of making a mother feel uncomfortable, but he is an otherwise hardworking and diligent man.”