A SCOUT group helper who had "text sex" with a teenage girl walked free from court yesterday.

Benjamin Cockburn exchanged a series of explicit mobile phone text messages with the girl before inviting her to his home for "practical lessons".

The pair went so far as to arranged a secret rendezvous after school but when the girl's mother suspected what was going on she put a block on any contact.

Julie Clemitson, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court: "This was, in effect, text sex.

"While it is accepted the girl played her part in the messaging, the law exists to protect her from herself as well as to protect her from sexual predators."

Miss Clemitson said Cockburn was connected with a local scout group and had been provided with a Scout Association advice sheet of "dos and don'ts" for dealing with young people.

Cockburn, 27, of Millford Way, Bowburn, Durham, denied inciting a 14 year-old girl to commit an act of gross indecency with him between January and March of this year.

When interviewed by police, Cockburn admitted he had been tempted by the girl but he quickly realised any sexual contact between them would be wrong.

Cockburn was found guilty by the jury and brought to Newcastle Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced.

Defence barrister Mark Guiliani told the court: "He accepts the jury's verdict and accepts what he did was wrong."

Mr Guiliani said Cockburn is no longer associated with the Scouts.

Judge Michael Cartlidge sentenced Cockburn to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months and ordered him to register as a sex offender for five years.

He also banned him from having any contact with the girl or her family for five years or face up to five years in jail.