A MAN who indecently assaulted a 12-year-old girl was sent to a hostel yesterday, so he could be treated in the community.

Newcastle Crown Court was told at a hearing last month that Leslie Liddle "groomed" the youngster, but he said he was just "very close, good friends" with her.

The 22-year-old at first denied there was anything indecent about their relationship, but his young victim gave evidence against him.

Before the jury was given a chance to deliberate, Liddle, of Rotherfield Road, Sunderland, changed his plea to guilty.

The court had heard how he gave the girl money and presents but was caught out when her mother learned he sent her a text message which said, "I love you".

Liddle was back before the court yesterday to be sentenced for the indecent assault, as well as a charge of dangerous driving when the girl had been in the car with him.

Judge Guy Whitburn agreed that Liddle should be released from custody to be assessed at a probation service-run hostel for treatment in the community.

Judge Whitburn warned this was not a soft option and said if Liddle did not stick to the strict hostel rules or was deemed to be unsuitable for treatment, he would be locked up for a considerable time.

He said: "Maybe the interests of the public are best served by ensuring this young man undergoes some form of treatment which means the likelihood of his re-offending is substantially lessened."

Liddle will be back before the court in four weeks.