Sir Ron Brierley cut a frail figure as he pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material in a Sydney court today

The 83-year-old was facing 17 charges - but admitted three and the others were withdrawn.

Sydney Morning Herald's Georgina Mitchell says Brierley had a walking stick.

She says usually when someone pleads guilty they're asked to stand up so the magistrate can see them, but he was given permission to stay seated.

Georgina Mitchell says when he left court, his solicitor had to help him stand.