A MAN accused of hugging and kissing a girl has been found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Jurors at Caernarfon Crown Court found Ian Cledwyn Williams, of Trem y Bwlch, Blaenau Ffestiniog, guilty after two and a half hours of deliberations on Wednesday.

The 54-year-old grabbed and embraced the teenager, who was under 16, at his flat last year, the court heard, kissing her on the head and face.

Giving evidence via video-link at the two-day trial, the complainant told the court that Williams pounced on her when her friend left the living room to visit the bathroom.

Williams, denied the charge, insisting the girl has made the story up and that he did no more than give the teenager a non-sexual farewell hug.

A jury of eight women and four men decided Williams’ behaviour amounted to a sexual act and he was convicted unanimously.

Williams remained calm as the verdict was handed down and he was informed he would have to register as a sex offender with immediate effect.

He will be sentenced at Caernarfon on Wednesday, 16 March after a pre-sentence report has been compiled.

Williams was bailed until that date on the condition that he does not contact his victim, enter the area in which she lives, or have unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18.