A 12-year-old boy who raped his seven-year-old sister after watching porn online has walked free after a judge ruled he is not a danger to society.

The boy pleaded guilty to rape, two counts of indecent assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual intercourse.

Blackburn Youth Court heard he had viewed hardcore porn films with his friends leading to "a desire to try it out". The sex offences took place between March and May last year.

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District Judge James Prowse said the boy, now 13, does not represent a danger to society and it is "highly improbable" he would re-offend given the "unsophisticated" and "immature" reasoning that triggered the attack.

He added that keeping him in custody would "tear the family apart" and expose him to "hardened and sophisticated" youth criminals.

In a statement, the boy said he was "disgusted" with his crimes and promised not to do it again. His sister said she missed him and wants him to return to the house despite feeling "sad" for what he did.

The boy will be placed on the sex offenders register for two-and-a half years. He is set to return to the family home in the coming months with the help of social workers.