A JUDGE has delayed jailing a Chippenham teenager who sexually assaulted a girl under 13 and raped a six-year-old boy, in a bid to keep him out of custodyy.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, carried out the sex attacks on his victims, who were both known to him, as they lay in bed.

Judge John McNaught, sitting at Swindon Crown Court on Monday, told the boy, who pleaded guilty to rape and sexual assault on a female under 13, he was trying to avoid sending him to a young offenders institute.

Lynne Matthews, prosecuting, said the attacks happened on two separate occasions when the teenager, who was living with his father after his parents had separated, was sleeping in the same house as his victims.

Sarah Regan, defending, said although probation officers had assessed him as being a high risk, this was only if he did not receive any treatment.

If he was jailed then she said he would not receive help to reduce the risk of re-offending.

Since January the teenager has been living in a foster placement away from the Chippenham area.

A probation officer from the youth offending team said if he was deemed suitable a place was available on a residential course to help rehabilitate him.

He told the court that the youngster was a very immature' 15-year-old and would not cope in a custodial environment.

The judge adjourned the case for two months.