Rhys Burton showered her with compliments and they gradually became closer before he moved in on her and kissed her, making her feel uncomfortable.

The law was there to protect vulnerable young girls from getting into difficult sexual situations that they could not control or “extricate” themselves from, Hull Crown Court heard.

Burton, 24, of Kingsley Drive, Willerby, admitted two offences of sexual activity with a child in 2018.

He originally denied the matter but changed his pleas on the day of a scheduled trial.

Michael Greenhalgh, prosecuting, said that Burton got to know the schoolgirl through an interest in ice skating in Hull and he complimented her during conversations with her and social gatherings in May 2018. “He was friendly to her,” said Mr Greenhalgh.

Burton hugged her and later kissed the girl. He knew that she was only 15. The girl was “upset” after sexual contact from Burton, Mr Greenhalgh said.

Judge Kate Rayfield told Burton: “The law is there to protect young people from engaging in sexual activity. Even though she went along with the sexual activity, she felt uncomfortable.”

Burton was given a 22-month suspended prison sentence, 20 days’ rehabilitation and a sex offender treatment programme.

He was given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and will have to register as a sex offender for 10 years.