in his care has been jailed for four years.

Michael Anthony Hayward, 19, of Seawall Drive, Sandys, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a young person -- the maximum sentence is 15 years.

Both defence and prosecution said that Hayward was still "in denial'' about the incident on June 16, 1998.

Defence counsel Mark Pettingill also conceded that Hayward came from a stable family background and reports had not detected any mental illness.

Prosecutor Charlene Scott said: "In this case the child was abused by someone he knew. Children ought to be protected.

"This is a one-time action however it's likely the psyche of the victim will be scarred for life.'' "The social inquiry report said he was still in denial about what took place.

He said: `I know I touched his penis I didn't do anything else'.

"That may be some form of admission.'' But DNA evidence showed Hayward had raped the child -- the crime was discovered by the child's mother the next day when he started crying in the toilet and his injuries were discovered.

Mr. Pettingill said Hayward had been "struggling with his sexuality''.

He said some sex offenders had been abused themselves but this was not the case for Hayward who had a "very good, managed home environment'' which he said had led to an "`internal struggle.'' But later Mr. Pettingill argued Hayward's family would help him come to terms with his problem.

"I submit the best healing for him and the best safeguards for society are in the home environment.

"The step father is here today, these are good people who have stood by this man throughout.'' He said Hayward's guilty plea meant the victim had been spared the trauma of coming to court.

"One hopes these kinds of things can be tucked away into the shadows of his (the victim's) mind.'' "At the time he (Hayward) was 17 -- that's an age where you can distinguish between right and wrong but you are not fully developed psychologically and physically.

"He's well presented, he's well spoken, soft in nature and makes good eye contact. He's hard working, did well at school.

"I believe his step father said he's the ideal son because of the way he is.

His relaxed nature are all positive things one would want in a son.'' Mr. Pettingill said Hayward needed professional help.

"I don't think we have a paedophile or the makings of a paedophile. You have a young man struggling with the situation he was placed in.

"He was placed in a situation of trust and the trust was betrayed.'' Police said Hayward had shown no remorse about the incident but in court yesterday he said he was sorry for what had transpired.

He added: "I hope they will accept my apology.'' Chief Justice Austin Ward said: "That's it? Sit down.'' In passing the four-year sentence Mr. Ward said he took into account Hayward's remorse and guilty plea but he said Hayward was guilty of a grave breach of trust.

He said: "I take into account the difficulties faced by you in struggling with your sexuality but children must be protected.'' He ruled that Hayward be given counselling in prison. The prosecution said that they do not intend to appeal for a higher sentence.