A judge told of his regret at having to send a teenage boy who sexually abused two young girls into detention.

Judge Philip Statman went so far as to make “a strong recommendation” that the 15-year-old be found a place at a secure children’s home to serve the sentence of two years and eight months.

He cleared the court so that the boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, could “say his goodbyes” to his mother before being taken into custody.

Maidstone Crown Court heard he was 13 when he committed oral rape with an eight-year-old girl and molested a girl, aged four.

The older victim, who told police the boy’s behaviour was “disgusting”, now suffers nightmares and becomes upset when touched by anybody. The younger girl has been given counselling.

The boy, from Medway, sat with his mother in front of the dock as the judge told him: “You told police in interview that you behaved in this way in order to gratify yourself.

"I am a stupid idiot" - defendant

“All these matters in my judgement are of profound significance. I must not lose sight of the fact they are two child victims who can be described as of tender years.

“It is clear to me you were fully aware of what you were doing. I am satisfied that these acts were not some form of experimentation by you.

“This was not game playing that was involved. You are a youth. You are not an adult.

“The sentencing judge never loses his discretion. If I get it wrong others at a later stage will be able to get it right.”

Judge Statman said there had been “an unconscionable delay” of two years in the teenager being sentenced, which was real punishment for both him and the victims.

“I understand two years in the life of a young person is a considerable time indeed,” he continued.

The boy, who admitted two offences or oral rape and two of indecent assault, said he felt regret and anger for what he had done, adding: “I am a stupid idiot.”

He had attended sex education classes at school but declared he was repulsed at the idea and did not need to know.

The judge said he had to have regard to the risks of placing the teenager in custody and understood that it was the last resort.

But he added that it was “I regret to say” a case for custody.

Judge Statman stressed that as the boy was vulnerable it was “absolutely critical” that he be looked after while in detention.

His name will appear on the sex offenders’ register for two-and-a-half years. A sexual harm prevention order was made for five years.