A PAEDOPHILE who sexually abused a 13-year-old boy has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Preston Crown Court heard how the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, questioned his own sexuality following the abuse by 25-year-old Robert Gyles Court and was only able to confide in friends and family about what happened as an adult.

Court, of Belfield Road, Accrington, is currently out on licence after serving half of a five-year prison sentence he received in June 2014 after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a boy and a girl and having a stash of child porn.

Prosecuting, Alison Mather said the latest offence for which Court appeared before a judge happened before the 2014 conviction and involved the defendant luring the victim to a property in Pendle.

After showing the teenager pornography, Court then undressed the defendant and performed a sex act. Court, formerly of Salterforth Road, Earby, then performed a second act with the child.

Summarising the teenager's victim personal statement, Ms Mather said: "He feels like he has had to keep this secret from everybody for a long time. He feels ashamed and embarrassed about what happened.

"He struggles to trust other people. He questioned his own sexuality. He found himself blaming himself for what had occurred.

"When he finally told everyone he found it extremely stressful. It caused great distress to his family."

Ms Mather said the victim's father felt something was wrong at the time. And upon hearing his suspicions had foundation he felt distressed he had done nothing about his concerns.

Court pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child,

Defending, Ricky Holland said his client had committed no further offences since being released on licence six months ago and that to send him back to prison would have an impact on his rehabilitation. Mr Holland said his client, who is originally from Trinidad, completed a sex offenders' treatment programme while in prison and is continue to do extensive work with the probation service to address his offending.

Mr Holland said: "Although this is plainly a troubling case, this is not a case where it could be said with any certainty there is a strong risk of re-offending."

Suspending Court's 12-month prison sentence for two years, Judge Jonathan Gibson said: "If it was not for the fact that you have already served a substantial period in custody in respect of sexual offences and you are currently completing substantive work with the probation service I would have sentenced you to immediate custody."

Court is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and has also been made to sign the sex offender's register for life.