Doncaster pervert who preyed on 8-year-old boy still denies abuse

James Dewar masturbated in front of the boy, touched the boy's genitals through his clothing, and then tried to get the boy to touch his naked genitals - but the boy "sensibly refused".

Prosecutor Richard Sheldon read a statement from the boy's mother describing how her son still displays "worrying behaviour," 18 months after his ordeal, on July 28, 2018.

She said he was now scared of the dark and takes his teddies to bed, despite giving up the habit previously, and sleeps with a toy gun under his pillow.

She was concerned about when he becomes a teenager and more aware of the gravity of the situation, Mr Sheldon told Sheffield Crown Court, on Friday.

Dewar, 23, of Cherry Grove, New Rossington, denied inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity with a child, and attempting to have sexual activity with a child, but was convicted by a jury, on December 6, last year.

Huw Edwards, mitigating, said Dewar, who has clinical depression, functions "much younger than his years" and has "a terror of going to prison."

He said suspending a prison sentence to allow professionals to find out what Dewar thought he was doing, would be in the greater public interest.

Judge Sarah Wright told Dewar: "What's of most concern is that you deny these offences, despite overwhelming and cogent evidence.

"I find it astonishing that your mother can't assist you in facing up to what you have done.

"If you were an adult, you would be going to prison," she said, but added the probation service found there was a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation, despite your denials."

"Take a long, hard look at yourself," she told him. "Face up to what you have done."

Dewar received 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must carry out ten rehabilitation days and join a programme for sex offenders.

A ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order will forbid him from unsupervised contact with children.