A TEENAGE baker who had sex with a 14-year-old girl he contacted on Facebook told police he thought the age of consent didn't count ‘if they were a little younger’.

Daniel Thacker made the admission when he was being questioned by officers once the victim’s father got to hear about what was going on.

But after being told he was disgusted with himself a judge spared the 19-year-old jail, branding the court process a game changer for him.

Claire Marlow, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court Thacker was in contact with the child online in March and April this year.

The matter was brought to the attention of the police when the girl’s father contacted them after he learned what had happened.

She said the child, whose mother was aware of what had taken place, would not make a statement or complaint, leaving the defendant’s account as the only one.

“He said he had been in contact over Facebook with the girl concerned for a period of about one month,” Miss Marlow said.

“He asked if she wanted to have sex with him. She says yes. It was arranged the day before, she turned up at his address the following morning at 11am.

“She came in, they went to the bedroom, he asked her again. She said yes. Consensual sex took place.

“She contacted him saying she enjoyed it and wanted to do it again. He said he felt disgusted with himself.

“He didn’t seem to have a full understanding about the law and the need to be 16. He thought the age of consent was 16 but if they were a little younger than that it wasn’t an offence.”

Thacker, of Marney Road, Grange Park, admitted sexual activity with a child.

Richard Williams, defending, told the court his client, who was interviewed without a solicitor being present, was sorry for what he had done.

He said: “He works in the bakery of Marks and Spencer shop, it is a full-time position.

“He is thoroughly remorseful. He fully accepts responsibility. He is not only ashamed about himself but also his mother who supports him in court.”

Judge Peter Blair QC asked: “Does he begin to understand now that people, girls of that age, whatever they are saying, the law is there to protect them?

“Though she might have had views to consent, in later years she might have difficulty.”

Mr Williams said his client was aware and said the victim, who was a friend of a friend, was no longer in touch with him.

Passing sentence the judge said: “I rather suspect being put through this case, coming to court, going through the police process, magistrates court and now this in the crown court for what is a serious offence, will have had a serious impact on you already.

“I expect it is a game changing warning for you about your future conduct towards females, and in particular young ones.

“The proposal put forward is the right sentence for punishing you, but also making you think more carefully about your conduct.”

He imposed a nine-month community order with supervision and a prohibited activity requirement for the same period banning him using devices to access social networks.

The teenager was also told he must pay a £60 victim surcharge and register as a sex offender for the next five years.