November 2012 Teen’s sex act with schoolgirl on seafront A TEENAGE man was caught carrying out a sexual act with a schoolgirl on the seafront in South Tyneside. Police were called to Sea Road, South Shields, after a member of the public reported seeing a young girl looking distressed. When officers arrived, they found Brett Woods with a 14-year-old girl who had her skirt above her waist. They arrested the 18-year-old and he was charged with sexual touching of a girl under the age of 16. Woods, of Wingrove Avenue, Newcastle, pleaded guilty at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court yesterday. Stan Sudworth, prosecuting, said: “The defendant and the girl were on a wall near the Dunes amusement arcade. “She said she had skipped school because she was being bullied and Woods was helping her through it. “The officers asked him if there had been any sexual activity and he said there hadn’t, but because the girl was a child, he was arrested.” The court heard that in his first police interview, Woods refused to answer any questions, but later went back and confessed. Mr Sudworth added: “He said they had got in touch with each other onFacebook and had been spending time together. “Woods said he knew how old she was but agreed to come to South Shields, where things ended up being flirtatious and became sexual. “It is accepted she consented but because of her age, it is not allowed.” Barry Row, defending, said: “He accepts he shouldn’t have been involved with a girl of that age but they had been a couple for some time. “When he was initially interviewed by the police, he said nothing but when he got home, he thought about it and realised what he was doing was wrong and went back to speak to them. “This was a situation between a boyfriend and girlfriend, which shouldn’t have happened, but it did and he apologises. He is now seeing someone of his own age and hopes to join the army. Before that happens, he will have to wait for the outcome of this case.” Magistrates adjourned the case until November 28 for the probation service to prepare a report on Woods.