A Kidderminster man who had what was described as "a loving relationship" with a schoolgirl has been given a three-year community order which will be supervised by the probation service.

Robin Young, of Avon Road, Foley Park, was 20 when he met the 13-year-old, prosecutor Paul Whitfield told Worcester Crown Court.

The couple regularly had sex although Young knew the girl's age.

Young, now 21, pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child. His barrister, Samantha Forsyth, said there was no element of grooming or coercion. No degree of pressure had been placed upon the victim. Young had a learning disability and was in a vulnerable mental state.

Mr Whitfield said it was a friendly relationship despite the age gap and only ended when the girl walked away saying that Young's attentions were becoming claustrophobic.

Judge Toby Hooper QC said the "loving relationship" continued for a year but Young was an immature young man and his conduct could not be condoned.

He ordered him to register as a sex offender for five years and undertake a community sex offender programme. The judge also made a sex offence prevention order.