A MAN who repeatedly molested a young boy has been told he must register as a sex offender.

And 21-year-old George Godbeer could be jailed after a jury convicted him of abusing the lad when he was eight or nine years old.

He had denied sexually assaulting the child and three other boys, one aged 10 or 11 and the other two aged 12 or 13, and stood trial at Swindon Crown Court.

While he was cleared of eight counts following a trial, the panel of six men and six women found him guilty of one charge that alleged that between April 2014 and February last year, on at least two occasions, he placed his hand down the trousers of the little boy touching his skin.

The jury heard how the victim was a friend of Godbeer’s little brother and he would often go to the lad’s house to collect his sibling and bring him home.

When he was there he would sometimes go upstairs and play computer games with the victim’s brother, who was closer to his age. It was then that he took the opportunity to stroke the youngster’s leg and put his hand down his trousers.

Godbeer, who is bisexual, told police that while he knows the children and often played with them, he denied ever touching them improperly.

After the verdicts were returned Charley Pattison, defending, said her client had been subject to psychiatric and psychological assessment.

Judge Tim Mousley QC adjourned the case to Tuesday, May 2, so a presentence report can be prepared by the probation service and released him on bail.

He said: “He must register his details with the police. The length of time that his details remain on the sex offender register depend on the sentence I impose in three weeks' time.”

Timothy Moores, prosecuting, said the Crown would also be seeking a sexual harm prevention order to restrict his liberty when sentence is passed.

Godbeer was cleared of abusing the other boys when he allegedly led them playing what he called ‘the bear game’ at Bellver Park in Toothill.

The 10 or 11-year-old, who Godbeer had messaged on social media saying ‘hey sexy’, sparking the inquiry, also claimed he had been groped while playing at Shaw Ridge Park.

The youngster and one of the older lads also said they had been touched improperly while playing computer games.

Godbeer, of Yarmouth Close, Toothill, denied sexual activity with a child and eight counts of sexual assault of a child, being found not guilty of all but one.

An NSPCC spokesperson for South West England said: “Godbeer sexually assaulted a young boy with no regard for the harmful effects it would have on him.

“His victim has shown enormous bravery by speaking out and it is thanks to him that Godbeer is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“Abuse can ruin childhoods and it is vital children who have been affected get the support they need rather than suffering in silence, as sadly so many do.

"Childline is available on 0800 1111, 24/7, to offer confidential advice.”