A BARNSTAPLE man who handed himself in to police for having consensual sex with an underage teenager has been sent to jail for 18 months.

Jeffery Smale, 20, of Fair View, was sent to a young offenders' institution.

At Exeter Crown Court Smale pleaded guilty to two offences of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Stephen Wildblood QC said he had to follow legal guidelines and send him to custody, although he took into account that the defendant had learning difficulties and was also immature for his age.

Gareth Evans, for the prosecution, said the girl's father took her to Barnstaple police station, where she told officers about the incidents.

Smale then attended the police station voluntarily, without a solicitor, and accepted that he had sex with the girl on two occasions.

"He knew the acts were unlawful and he was ashamed," said Mr Evans.

The prosecutor added that the sex had been initiated by the girl on both occasions.

Richard Crabb, for the defence, said Smale had voluntarily admitted his behaviour during his police interview.

He added Smale was hard-working and might be bullied in jail because of his learning difficulties.

Mr Crabb added: "He feels a great deal of remorse and feels very guilty and ashamed. He has not attempted to minimise it or shift blame."

Smale must put his details on the Sex Offender Register for ten years.