A father from the Bradford district is considering bringing a private prosecution against a 12-year-old boy who escaped punishment despite admitting sexually assaulting his son on a school trip.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted sexually attacking his victim, then 11, while on a trip from a Shipley school to Ingleborough Hall Outdoor Education Centre in Clapham, North Yorkshire.

He also admitted to causing or inciting other boys to carry out sexual activity and to forcing a boy to simulate sex.

Police were called in after six boys made allegations of sexual assault while they were barricaded in a dormitory.

But when the youngster appeared before magistrates he received an absolute discharge, given when punishment has been deemed inappropriate.

The father of one of his young victims, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his son, said he was “disgusted” the boy had been “let off” despite admitting his crimes.

He said he would now contact other victims’ parents with a view to starting civil court proceedings against the boy.

He said: “The magistrate said he was too young to assess what he has done and gave him no punishment whatsoever.

“In my eyes, he knows what he has done and even pleaded guilty. I don’t understand how the law can just let people get away with this.”

The victim’s father said his son had been set to give evidence in a trial along with other young witnesses.

But the youngster changed his plea ahead of his court appearance on Monday.

He denied 22 other charges, including assault, further counts of inciting sexual activity and sexual assault. Those charges were dismissed.

The father said: “Then the magistrate said he couldn’t do anything. How can this child learn about discipline if he receives no punishment for what he has done? There are about five or six parents and I will be contacting them to see if they want to go for a private prosecution.”

He said his son had become quiet and withdrawn and refused to talk about the assault.

He said: “My son can’t understand how this lad has got away with such a serious offence.”

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said it was up to the magistrates to decide punishment.

Amanda McInnes, from CPS West Yorkshire’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “This case involved a series of sexual assaults on six young boys.

“There was strong evidence from a number of witnesses to support the allegations made by the victim.

“The defendant declined to give an account of what had happened when interviewed.

“We decided that in this case there was sufficient evidence and that it was in the public interest to prosecute. And indeed the defendant pleaded guilty when the case came to trial.”