A YOUNG man who molested a 14-year-old girl has been forced to move away from Moreton after residents made it “untenable” for him to stay, a court heard.

Callum McPhearson, 22, was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, at Gloucester Crown Court on April 1.

The court heard that McPhearson had been forced to move away from his home in Lower Oddington, Moreton, after admitting sexually touching the 14-year-old girl on May 18 last year.

His victim had also suffered in the aftermath of the offence, receiving cruel text messages, the court heard.

McPhearson kissed and molested the girl while she was drunk and sharing his bed with him after a party.

Lisa Hennessy, representing him, told the court: "This time last year he was a 21-year-old working in a local garden centre who had never been in any trouble.

“All that changed on May 18 when he made one of the most serious mistakes a young man can make.

“He put himself in a position he is doubtless going to reflect on for the rest of his life.

"What happened when they got into the same bed together was consensual but of course should never have happened because of her age.

"We have heard about the text messages she has received. He has also had some similar consequences.

“He has been forced effectively to move from the area in which he grew up and has moved to Wolverhampton.

"Neighbours in Moreton made things untenable for him and he had to leave.

“He has made a real effort to make a fresh start and has got work as a quality control inspector for a major contractor.

"This has been a salutary and very unpleasant lesson for him."

McPhearson, now of Fawdry Street, Wolverhampton, was also placed under supervision for two years and ordered to attend a sexual offender programme.

A sexual harm prevention order was also made, which bans him from having any child under 16 to stay at his home except with the permission of parents and social services.

He is also barred from approaching or contacting his victim in any way.

Recorder Stephen Hall told McPhearson "This girl was clearly inebriated and you knew that.

“She kissed you and you allowed yourself to become aroused. That was a significant, serious, and extraordinarily stupid and foolish act on your part and it was a serious criminal matter."