A JUDGE today warned a teenager who raped a 12-year-old girl that a custodial sentence was the most likely outcome of the case.

The 17-year-old admitted two counts of rape of the girl at a previous hearing, at Durham Crown Court, in December.

Tony Davis, representing the defendant, told that hearing that although, due to the girl's age, the offence is "absolute", there was, "a degree of consensuality".

He said that while "physically" the youth was aged 17, in "emotional terms" he came across as much younger.

Mr Davis told the court the defendant, who is from County Durham, suffers emotional difficulties and a mild form of autism.

Mr Davis yesterday asked Judge Prince to again adjourn sentence to allow further assessment to be made.

Agreeing, Judge Prince said: "I've indicated that I'm minded to impose a custodial sentence.

"But, there are complicated features of this case.

"Not withstanding that money has already been spent in order to have reports, I'll order the further reports, given the unusual nature of this case."

Judge Prince, who previously refused to grant the youth bail, ordered that he should remain in custody until the case returns for sentence, on February 19.