Thurlbeck, of no fixed address but formerly of Washington, was jailed for 18 months after being convicted of sexual assault and breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
After his victim reported the incident to police, Thurlbeck was arrested and charged with sexual assault and breach of a SHPO, which was imposed in July 2010 after he attempted to meet a child following sexual grooming.
He pleaded guilty to all charges at Newcastle Crown Court.