Boy wanted teacher 'as his first'

A 14-year-old boy accused of indecently assaulting a school teacher told her: "I want you to be my first", it has been claimed in the High Court.

Prosecutors alleged that the County Tyrone youth grabbed the woman's breast as she walked from work towards Strabane town centre on Tuesday.

Opposing bail, a Crown lawyer said the teacher claimed the teenager also swung her round and tried to kiss her.

The youth was released on bail, but told to stay out of the town centre.

The crown lawyer told the court the accused was arrested after being tracked down to a car park several miles away in Sion Mills, also in County Tyrone. A description had been provided by the victim.

During his first interview he admitted touching the teacher's breast, the court heard.

But questioned further in front of a solicitor the youth declined to make any comment.

Challenged

A defence barrister insisted the admission to police would be challenged at trial, claiming it was due to an inducement.

The lawyer also argued that the need for a solicitor to be present had been disregarded.

He added that the victim had given a very general description of the attacker, and no identity parade was carried out.

Although Lord Justice Higgins accepted there was evidence to justify the charge, he stressed that anyone aged 14 should not be remanded in custody unless it was essential to protect the public from serious harm.