A SERVING soldier who indecently assaulted a 12-year-old boy while on leave in Morecambe has been fined £250.

A judge told Neil Burnett he had carried out a disgraceful piece of conduct, but the two offences he had admitted were at the lower end of the scale.

The private had spanked a youngster's bottom after coming across him playing arcade machines on Morecambe prom.

Mr Dennis Watson, prosecuting, said the 12-year-old boy was a friend , playing arcade machines at the time. They helped Burnett play some machines and, to an extent, befriended them. Eventually, he decided to go to Burger King and the boys went with him.

Afterwards, the defendant asked the older boy if he could spank him for money.

He made the same enquiry of the 12-year-old who allowed the defendant to spank him over his clothes. He also went on to spank him a second time, on that occasion on his bare bottom.

Burnett had no previous convictions.

Captain Robert Noble gave evidence that the defendant had been conscientious and hard working. He was removed from his normal duties as a result of being charged.

Mr Keith Thomas, defending, asked that the case be dealt with in a way that would allow Burnett to remain in the army.

He said: "The boys approached him in the amusement arcade.

"His colleague had a girlfriend in the Morecambe area, but the defendant had not met up with him at the time.

"He was playing in an amusement arcade and approached the boys."

Judge Brian Duckworth imposed a £250 fine with £250 costs. Burnett was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for five years.