A teenager with severe learning difficulties has been handed a court order after admitting having sex with an underage girl and sending explicit photos.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified, was given a two-year Sexual Risk Order at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court this week.

He had sex with a teen and exchanged intimate photos with a number of girls.

Last year he stole £165 from his parents and bought an iPad that would allow him internet access.

The boy, who has autism, ADHD and learning and behavioural difficulties, said he confided in a teacher as he wanted the “sexting” to stop.

The court heard the lad, who has an IQ of 69, had exhibited “inappropriate behaviour” from the age of nine.

A former teacher praised the boy’s “loving” family for their support but said stricter rules, such as those set out in the order, were needed to control his behaviour as he had no concept of boundaries.

Mental health support was withdrawn last summer, though his GP warned his behaviour would likely continue unless there was provision in place to stop it.

His dad told the hearing the family had been begging social services for support in handling their son’s challenging behaviour since 2012.

John Goss, for the police, said: “This is not an easy case. It’s not easy to balance what’s right for the public with what’s right for a child with a number of complex needs.”

District Judge Justin Barron put the permanent Sexual Risk Order in place, saying it was “early days” as the boy had changed less than a year ago following more than half a decade of inappropriate behaviour.

The order prohibits him from having any sexual contact, physical or virtual, with anyone under 16, and stipulates he can only access the internet on devices fitted with Kent Police-approved monitoring software that officers can check at any time.