A TEENAGER who sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl has been sent to a detention centre for 18 months.

Blackburn magistrates heard that while the boy, who was 15 at the time of the incident, and his victim were not related there had been an ‘enormous’ breach of trust.

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And the court heard a victim impact statement made by the girl which revealed how the assault had been life-changing for her and her family.

She said the assault had left her unable to sleep at night because of flashbacks, affected her performance at school and left her with rock bottom self-esteem.

“I didn’t have any reason to pick myself up again,” she said.

But the girl also revealed that nearly 12 months after the incident she had a positive aim in life.

“I want to become a psychologist specialising in young people who are the victims of sexual crimes,” she said.

“I am determined to get my life back for everyone’s sake.”

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to assaulting the girl.

As well as the 18 months’ detention he was put on the sex offenders’ register for five years and made subject to a restraining order until further notice which bans him from having any contact with the girl.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the girl had been visiting a house in Blackburn when the teenager started talking to her about sex.

He then pulled her onto his knee before pushing her onto a table and indecently assaulting her.

“At the start of this incident she reminded him she was only 12,” said Miss Allan. “He ignored that as he ignored her tears as he was assaulting her.”

Ian Huggan, defending, said his client appreciated he had made an ‘extremely grave mistake’.

“He is really upset about the impact this has had on the girl and her family and it has caused him a great deal of stress and anxiety,” said Mr Huggan. “It is to the victim’s credit that she wants to turn this round and help other people in the future.”