Preston Crown Court heard how Tillotson, who was aged 17 at the time, indecently assaulted the boys on several occasions – but was cleared by a jury of further counts of buggary, attempted buggary, gross indecency and indecent assault.

Sentencing him, Judge Andrew Woolman said there had been an element of grooming to Tillotson’s endeavours, given the offer of goods in exchange for ‘sexual favours.’

Judge Woolman said: “I have to sentence this defendant after a jury convicted him on counts one and five only – counts of indecent assault consisting of touching the naked bottoms of the two complainants whilst he masturbated himself.

“They are multi-incident counts which allege that this happened on at least five occasions, and I have to sentence on the basis that he was 17 when these offences occurred.

“It was a regular occurrence, and the defendant gave the boys, in my judgement, cigarettes and sweets in exchange for these sexual favours.”

Prosecuting the case, Richard Haworth outlined how there had been an element of planning and grooming to Tillotson’s attacks.

He said: “The inducement of cigarettes or sweets was referred to by both of the complainants – there was a similar modus operandi in terms of both.”

Tillotson, of Burnley, was jailed for one year, suspended for two years, with no further requirements.