A BRAVE teenager said she did not want her abuser jailed after she was indecently assaulted in her home.

The 15-year-old said Leslie Dent, 50, of Castleside, Consett, should be "kept an eye on" by police but should not serve any time in prison.

Newcastle Crown Court was told how Dent, who admitted indecent assault, turned up at the teenager's home after realising during a series of inappropriate telephone calls that her parents were out. He then grabbed her and tried to kiss her before she pushed him out of the house.

The court was told how the teenager said Dent had given her the creeps and dreaded the thought of being alone with him.

Judge Beatrice Bolton said the teenager was a remarkable young girl and read out a statement prepared by her.

It said: "I don't think Leslie Dent should go to jail, but I think police officers should be able to keep an eye on him so he doesn't do it again."

The judge said the girl had remarkable insight into the offence.

Judge Bolton sentenced him to a three-year community rehabilitation order and said he should register as a sex offender for five years.

The judge said: "Can I make it clear I am not sending you to prison because I do not think that is the best way to protect the public."