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A paedophile who sexually assaulted two young girls and “recorded” one of the incidents has dodged jail because he’s autistic.

Steven McLone, who was described as “odd”, attacked her while taking photographs on his phone.

He also sexually abused another girl in a separate attack and travelled to “the moors” and threatened to kill himself after his crimes came to light.

McLone appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday but avoided jail after it was said prison would put his rehabilitation “at risk”.

Jonathan Walker, prosecuting, said one of the crimes was committed in 2016 when he sexually assaulted the girl who was terrified by the incident.

Mr Walker added that “intimate images” of the victim were discovered on his phone by police, some of which were taken the time of the sexual assault.

“He took pictures while he tried to undress her”, he said.

“The victim was extremely upset over his activities and immediately reported him.”

The court heard that the 27-year-old had also sexually assaulted another youngster in “similar circumstances”.

In a statement, one of the victims said his actions has “had an impact on school” and she has “started hearing voices”.

McLone pleaded guilty to two sexual assaults.

In mitigation, Michael Knowles, said that McLone went “to an area of the moors” and “threatened to take his own life” after his crimes were exposed.

“It wasn’t until the intervention of his mum that he desisted,” he said.

“He immediately expressed remorse. He has autism, a life long disability that he will continue to have throughout his life.

“His autism is clearly linked to this case.

“There are concerns about how he would cope mentally and physically in prison.”

He added that a psychologist had said there was “no prospect of further offending”.

Judge Sean Morris told McLone: “You have always been regarded by others as odd.

“This is not an easy case to decide. But rehabilitation would be at risk if you were sent to prison.

“It would be more constructive to impose a community order.”

McLone, from Lazenby, was given a three-year community order and ordered to undertake 25 rehabilitation days.

He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and put on the sex offenders register.