A MAN from Bromsgrove with a ‘long-standing history of mental illness’ has admitted having sex with a child aged 15.

Jonathan Ratcliff admitted sexual activity with a child when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday, October 10.

The 36-year-old, of Lime Grove, Bromsgrove, admitted the offence which took place on January 6 last year.

By his plea he admitted that he did not reasonably believe the girl was 16 at the time he had sex with her.

Abigail Nixon, for Ratcliff, said: “There’s a long-standing history of mental illness.”

The guilty plea meant that the scheduled trial no longer needs to go ahead.

Judge Nicolas Cartwright granted the defendant bail on condition he co-operates in the preparation of both a pre-sentence report by the probation service and a psychiatric report.

The judge told him he would gain a 17.5 per cent reduction in the length of any custodial sentence.

If he had pleaded guilty earlier on his first appearance in crown court, he was told this discount would have been 25 per cent.

If he had pleaded guilty later, on the day of trial, the discount would be 10 per cent.

Because he stands convicted Ratcliff must sign the sex offender register.

The case was adjourned until sentencing, which is due to take place on December 10.