Townshend withdraws 'ill-advised' teen sex story

Rocker Pete Townshend was today forced to pull the plug on a short story he posted on the internet featuring graphic teen sex.

After sparking fury from children’s charities, the 61-year-old Who guitarist removed the story, admitting “this was probably an ill-advised thing for me to do”.

Townshend is still on the sex offenders register after being cautioned for child pornography three years ago.

The story, called The Comedian, which appeared on his official website, graphically describes sex between a 16-year-old boy and girl.

Townshend was arrested in 2003 as part of Operation Ore, which investigated child porn sites. He was placed on the sex offenders register for five years.

He denied being a paedophile, claiming he visited a site to research his autobiography.

He told the Daily Mail: “I’ve taken down my story. I want to make it clear that I respect the requirements of the sex offenders register without condition.”

A message on Townshend’s official website reads: “I’m afraid I have had to end this Blog. I’m so sorry for those of you who were beginning to enjoy it, but it has upset certain people, and I sincerely do not wish to offend anyone.”

Tink Palmer, of children’s charity Stop It Now!, said: “Bearing in mind that he is on the sex offenders register and received a caution, it is most ill-advised, especially considering the popularity of his music and the fact lots of people look up to him.”