An Ashford teenager will be able to take up his university place this September – after escaping an immediate jail sentence for three sex attacks.

Matthew Relf, 18, of Oaktree Road, had admitted the assaults on a child more than three years ago.

Defence barrister Simon Taylor told Canterbury Crown Court that since the incidents, Relf had worked hard to get a good education and had been offered a place at university.

Judge Adele Williams, above, suspended the 18 month prison sentence for two years, banned him from being at an address where under 16-year-olds were and ordered him be electronically tagged for six weeks between 9pm and 7 am.

She told him: “You could have had no complaint if I had sent you to prison immediately, but I am just persuaded that I can suspend any sentence.

“What you did was wrong and very damaging to your victim. To behave in the sexual way in which you did not only frightened her but could have potentially long-lasting effects on her.

“These offences happened some time ago and you have rehabilitated yourself in the on-going period and there have been no further offences.”

The judge heard that Relf has yet to report his convictions to the university authorities.

She added: “I think it absolutely vital he be entirely frank with the university and tell them exactly what has happened; because if they found out later then that might be problematic.”

Mr Taylor added: “He understands his obligations toward the higher education establishment.”