WHITBY -- A Whitby man has pleaded guilty to several charges involving the sexual abuse of girls, some as young as six.

Michael Ross Stratton, 41, responded in a clear voice when asked by Ontario Court Justice Paul Bellefontaine if he was willing to forego a trial and enter a plea.

"Guilty," said the heavy-set Mr. Ross, his long hair cascading down his back in a ponytail as he stood in the prisoner's dock in the Whitby courthouse.

Mr. Stratton's guilty plea came almost three years after his arrest in June of 2006 on charges that included sexual assault, assault, and making child pornography. Originally facing almost 300 charges, he pleaded guilty Monday to 13 counts involving seven girls, one of whom has not yet been identified.

Prosecutor Kent Saliwonchyk has indicated the Crown will seek to have Mr. Stratton sentenced as a dangerous offender; if the application is successful, the former elevator mechanic could be jailed indefinitely.

Reading from an agreed statement of facts, Mr. Saliwonchyk described a career of sexual abuse which dates back to the early 90s and included acts ranging from sexual touching of young girls to intercourse with one victim.

Victims told investigators Mr. Stratton was a popular figure who took local kids on outings and supplied them with booze and cigarettes.

Mr. Stratton's lawyer, Alan Risen, told the court that while the accused man concedes most of the charge against him, he plans to contest some allegations made by a young woman who was 17 when she met him several years ago. Mr. Stratton will argue most of the sexual activity was consensual, Mr. Risen said.

Evidence on those matters is to continue this week in Whitby.