A YOUNG man who videoed a teenage girl performing a sex act on him has narrowly avoided custody.

Kieran McDonnell was arrested after the missing, vulnerable 15-year-old was found sitting on his bed after having sex.

The 22-year-old told police he believed the girl was 16 after speaking to her for a few weeks using social media.

Teesside Crown Court heard how McDonnell admitted filming parts of their sexual liaison but didn't believe he was doing anything illegal.

Tom Mitchell, prosecuting, said police were investigating a report of a missing teenager when they knocked at the Stockton door of McDonnell.

He said the defendant told police he had no intention of sharing the video with anyone else.

McDonnell, of Gentian Way, Stockton, pleaded guilty to taking an indecent photograph of an underage girl in August 2019.

Stephen Constantine, mitigating, said there was no evidence that the teenage girl was an unwilling participant in the sexual activity and did not give evidence in the investigation.

Mr Constantine urged the judge to step back from an immediate custodial sentence as his client 'honestly' believed she was over 16.

Recorder Tony Hawks sentenced McDonnell to two years in custody, suspended for 18 months.

He said: "There was no evidence that this sexual activity was non-consensual, it was unlawful due to the age of the girl at the time."

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