A TEENAGER who sexually assaulted a young girl has been spared being locked up so he can rebuild his life.

The 16-year-old youth was told by a judge: "You did wrong and you must not do such wrong again."

At Teesside Crown Court yesterday, the youth was put on supervision until his 18th birthday and on a curfew between 8pm and 7am.

He was ordered to register as a sex offender for two-and-a-half years and live with his father throughout his period of supervision.

The youth, who is from Darlington but cannot be identified for legal reasons, admitted sexual assault when he appeared in court last month.

He had touched the girl's private parts one morning last November after being invited by the child's mother to help with some decorating at their home and staying overnight.

The youth had initially denied the offence but was persuaded to accept responsibility by his father once scientific evidence showed he had touched the girl.

Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, praised the father and urged him to guide his son throughout the period of supervision with the probation service.

"I am going to make an order which is going to teach you a better way," Judge Fox told the youth. "Put this behind you, get on with your life and make something of yourself."