A disabled New Malden man who has never been behind bars, despite three convictions for sex offences on children, looks likely to be spared jail yet again.

David Beaney, 61, admitted two sexual assaults on children at Kingston Crown Court.

It is understood he befriended young boys and invited them back to his home where sexual acts took place. He would also visit sports clubs to "groom" boys.

Prosecutors are believed to be seeking a suspended sentence with a restraining order rather than time behind bars. This would mean he could still live in the New Malden community.

In addition to the charges, the Guardian has learned from a source at local cricket club Malden Wanderers that Beaney was brought to the club by a local church member of Christ Church in the late 1990s, after asking if he could attend the ground to watch games.

She said Beaney "took a fancy" to her young grandson and invited him back to his flat "We quickly sent a letter off telling him that he was not welcome at the club and that was it," she said.

In court on Thursday, March 25, Beaney was due to be sentenced for committing an act of gross indecency with a child and indecent assault on a male under 16. His sentencing was adjourned to May 13 for psychiatric reports. He admitted to the offences on the first day of his trial in February.

They date back to the early 1990s and involve Beaney, a former insurance worker who uses a mobility cart to get around, inviting boys to his flat where they were coaxed into committing sexual acts with him.

Prosecution counsel Gino Connor said the crown was seeking a suspended sentence and a restraining order banning Beaney from seeing children.

This is understood to be because the offences would only result in a relatively short sentence, whereas a restraining order banning him from contact with minors could be indefinite.

Prosecutors also want Beaney, who has convictions for indecent assaults on boys dating back to the 1980s, banned from attending all sports clubs and leisure centres.

Reverend Canon Stewart Downey, of Christ Church, said: "We and the Diocese have been aware of Mr Beaney's past and have taken steps to ensure the safety of children at Christ Church."