A TRAINEE paramedic who admitted a charge of child cruelty has been spared jail.

Gregg Iceton appeared before a judge at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

The 38-year-old, who is on the autism spectrum, in no longer employed by the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS).

A spokesperson for NEAS said: "For reasons of confidentiality we are unable to discuss the circumstances that lead to any employee leaving our service.

“We would like to reassure the public that any concerns raised about our staff inside and outside of the workplace are subject to robust internal procedures to ensure the safety of our patients and workforce.”

Iceton, of Richardson Way, Consett, was sentenced to 15 months in prison suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 15 rehabilitation activity days and pay £140 victim surcharge.