A 21-year-old man who indecently assaulted a schoolboy has been sent to prison for 10 months.

Matthew Birkby sexually molested the 12-year-old on one occasion, but Judge Roger Scott told him that the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

During a hearing at Bradford Crown Court yesterday it was revealed that the young victim had been told at one stage that Birkby intended to admit to the offence, but when he came to court he maintained he was not guilty.

The unexpected change meant the youngster, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had to come to court with his mother, but before the trial got under way Birkby finally accepted he was guilty.

Prosecutor Ian Howard read extracts from a statement supplied by the boy's mother in which she outlined the impact of the offence on him.

She revealed that he would no longer sleep on his own and wouldn't go upstairs without a light on.

When the boy was due to go the Crown Court on a 'familiarisation visit' prior to the expected trial he broke down and refused to go.

The youngster was said to have been relieved and crying when originally told about Birkby's supposed guilty plea, but became angry and agitated when it looked as if there would still have to be a trial.

In addition to serving about half of the 10-month jail term Birkby, of West End Terrace, Eccleshill, will have to register as a sex offender with the police for the next ten years.

Judge Scott highlighted the fact that seven days before the trial was due to take place Birkby had the chance to enter his guilty plea but had not done so.

In fact he said he had only pleaded guilty on the day of the trial when the boy was "waiting in the wings''.

"It was a particularly nasty little offence. Little in time, though the consequences for the young boy may have some time run,'' Judge Scott said.