A 16 year old boy has been banned from having contact with anyone younger than himself after being found guilty of sex offences.

The Hassocks teenager was found guilty of abusing a boy aged under 13 on seven occasions between September 2012 and February 2017. He forced the younger boy into engaging in sexual behaviour as well as assaulting him several times.

The teenager originally denied the offences but Brighton Magistrates’ Court found him guilty. He was told he will have to sign the Sex Offender’s Register for a period yet to be specified.

In the meantime he is banned from having any contact with anyone under the age of 16 – unless the child’s parents know about his crimes and there is an adult present.

He will be sentenced next month.