A man who admitted sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy began serving a four year sentence in prison yesterday.

Jomar A. Caines, 21, of Middletown, Pembroke was charged in the Supreme Court with sexual assault, buggery and deprivation of liberty.

Crown counsel Leighton Rochester said the 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was standing outside his residence on January 6 at 4 p.m.

when Caines called out to him.

Caines forced the boy into the basement of his home and placed his hand over his mouth.

Mr. Rochester said Caines then pulled down the boy's sweat pants, bent him over and entered the victim by force.

Caines was arrested on January 8 and admitted to the offence. But he said the boy had consented to the act.

However, on April 1 when Caines was due to be arraigned, he pleaded guilty to the offence.

During submissions yesterday, Caines' lawyer Kim Wilson told the court Caines was abused both physically and mentally and was functioning at a 12- to 14-year-old level both academically and socially.

She said during time spent in Jamaica with his mother, he was abused by her boyfriend and had witnessed his mother being abused.

Former prison psychologist Derrick Binns testified that Caines' past experiences were likely to have contributed to the way he perceived himself and others.

But he added Caines believed his behaviour was wrong and his feelings of remorse would increase his motivation for positive change and make him more likely to take advantage of help.

Dr. Binns also noted Caines did not like the attraction he had to other males, but he could not control it and wanted help.

Caines, in a prepared statement read out by Ms Wilson, asked his victim and the court to forgive him. He said he knew he would have to serve time in prison, but begged for mercy from the court.

Ms Wilson asked for a term of two to three years in prison for her client.

Chief Justice Austin Ward in handing down his sentence said he took into account Caines' age level and the fact that Caines had been in custody since January 10 of this year.

However, he said: "Sexual offences of young children is always serious.'' He sentenced Caines to four years in prison. He also ordered Caines to seek help from the sexual offenders treatment programme at Westgate Correctional Facility.