Judge gives probation to Cork teenager who defiled girl, 14, when he was 15

The teenager is to be of good behaviour and have no contact with the victim for five years

The judge said: “It is hoped you will not be seen before the courts again.” File picture: Larry Cummins

A 14-year-old girl was defiled by a 15-year-old boy when she was on a sleepover and now that he has turned 18 the sentencing judge has imposed a probation order for him to be of good behaviour and have no contact with the victim for five years.

One year ago, Mr Justice Michael McGrath imposed a period of detention of two years and six months but he said that this sentence was being deferred for a year as he said that putting a child into detention was a matter of last resort for the courts.