A FIVE-year-old girl was sexually abused by a babysitter trusted to look after her.
The 17-year-old Wearsider originally denied touching the child while she was in his care, but he owned up to the offence on the morning of what was due to be a trial at Sunderland Youth Court.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is described as being from a respectable family.
Prosecutor John McGlone said the offence came to light after the little girl told her father the babysitter had hurt her and refused to sleep in her own bed.
She repeated the allegation the next day to her mother, who then called the police.
Lee Fish, defending, said the teenager had not been allowed home since the offence was reported because of his bail conditions, adding that his family now wanted to sell their home and move away.
Mr Fish added: “He is from a stable, respectable home, where boundaries are maintained and respected.
“The effect on the family has been devastating, the effect on his parents has been devastating, the effect on him has been horrific.”
District judge Roger Elsey imposed a two-year restraining order banning the teenager from going near his victim, her parents or their home.
The 17-year-old was told he must register as a sex offender and was also given a 12-month referral order.
The referral order is a sentence intended to hold young offenders to account for the consequences of their actions.