A TEENAGER has been sentenced to five years youth custody for the rape of a young boy.

Geoffrey Stobbs was also told by a judge passing sentence at Preston Crown Court that his name would be on the sex offenders' register for life.

The 18-year-old, of Leeds Road, Nelson, had denied the charge, but a jury convicted him after trial.

His case had then been adjourned for a background report.

His barrister Tim White told the court that the conviction had had a heartbreaking impact on Stobbs.

"He has been pilloried in the community where he lives.

"He has been confined to his home for the last four weeks.

"The defendant comes from a very caring family.

"They are horrified at what has happened. "

Judge Peter Openshaw QC said the offence, which happened last year, had occurred after a night's drinking.

"You have shown no regret or remorse.

"Indeed, you still deny it," he said, telling the teenager that custody was inevitable.

The sentence not only had to punish him but also deter others and protect children.