Man asked 14-year-old boy for sex in Bideford

A man followed a 14-year-old boy through Bideford and asked him to go back to his house for sex, a court heard.

Marc Gladwell, 32, of Meddon Street, Bideford, appeared before North Devon Magistrates today charged with three counts of assault, including one on the 14-year-old.

The case was set for a trial but Gladwell had changed his pleas to guilty.

The court heard Gladwell approached the teenager, who was walking home alone through Bideford at around 8.30pm on September 16 last year.

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Gladwell, who was intoxicated, approached him and put his arm around him, to begin with, in a "friendly manner."

Shaun Tipton, for the prosecution, said Gladwell offered the boy alcohol and tobacco, but he declined. The pair walked together down the length of the High Street.

Gladwell also proceeded to ask the 14-year-old about his sexuality and whether he found him attractive. The court heard he also gave the teenager his wallet and driving licence to prove his identity.

He also asked the victim to go for a drink.

Mr Tipton said at this point the boy became uncomfortable and texted his mother saying he was "being touched."

The pair continued walking and the court heard Gladwell asked the boy if he could take him to his home address for sex. The victim then started crying and said no.

His step-father then arrived in his car and the 14-year-old jumped in "in hysterics saying the man threatened to rape him."

The man then questioned Gladwell, asking if he knew how old his step-son was, before trying to call 999.

Gladwell became unhappy and "crashed" into the man's shoulder but was pushed away, said Mr Tipton.

He went for the man again and struck him to his left cheek with his fists. Gladwell was pushed away again and fell over.

But he got up and went for the boy's step-father a third time before being pushed away and landing on the man's car. 

He then walked off but was found by police in Torrington Lane. There was then a further incident of assault on a police officer when Gladwell was arrested.

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports and Gladwell will appear for sentencing on April 2.

He was released on conditional bail not to contact the victim and to reside at his home address.