A student accused of marrying a 12-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to child sex abuse
The 26-year-old Lebanese man, who cannot be named, appeared via video link from Villawood Detention Centre in Burwood Local Court, and pleaded guilty to one count of persistent sexual abuse of a child.
The offence carries a maximum jail sentence of 25 years.
He was initially charged with 25 counts of sexual intercourse with a child between 10 and 14 after marrying the girl in an Islamic ceremony in January, Nine News reports.
A sentencing date is expected to be finalised next week.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the girl, who has since turned 13, and her sister, 8, are currently being cared for by the Department of Family and Community Services.
