A TEENAGE sex attacker who subjected two schoolboys to sickening ordeals was spared a custodial sentence yesterday.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named, sent the youngsters' friends on errands so that he could be alone with the victims during the two separate attacks last year.

Newcastle Crown Court was told how the boys, who are both under 13, were warned if they fought back they would be forced to do press-ups in a stream near the attacks at a secluded embankment, known as The Den in Farringdon, Sunderland.

Glen Gatland, prosecuting, said: "It seems he got other young men and boys present to leave the area by asking them to go on errands at a shop and also to walk his dog in the fields alongside, so it meant he could then assault the two young boys."

The court heard how during one of the attacks the victim was warned he would be hit if he did not agree to let the teenager do what he wanted.

The court heard how the attacker, who pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault on a person under 13, has shown "genuine remorse" for his actions.

Reports prepared described the offences as "extreme experimentation" which Judge David Hodson agreed was an apt description.

But the judge told him: "Nonetheless, these were serious offences on two young and vulnerable boys and the offences were accompanied by threats.

"I've thought long and hard that perhaps my public duty requires me to send you to custody, but I have been persuaded by the reports I have seen that is not necessary."

Judge Hodson sentenced the youth to a supervision order for two years and said he must register as a sex offender for two-and-a-half years.