assaulting a schoolmate earlier this year.

And an adult accomplice will be tried in February, more than a year after the incident in which an 11-year-old girl was assaulted at home while other children were in another room.

Magistrate Carlisle Greaves and a Family Court panel heard the girl was at a gathering at a Devonshire home around 2 p.m. on February 10 when she entered the kitchen to find the boy and the man there.

Police Insp. Peter Giles told the court the girl was picked up, taken to a bedroom, held down by the accomplice while the boy straddled her, pulled down her jeans and underwear and penetrated her with his finger.

The boy would later expose the girl's breasts and lick them before leaving the room. The girl protested throughout the ordeal.

Moments later the girl's mother arrived, was told what happened, and called Police.

The boy's lawyer, Kevin Bean, in hushed tones, implored Mr. Greaves to order a social inquiry report, saying even Police had difficulty getting any answers out of the boy.

"These are very, very sad circumstances. I had extreme difficulty in getting instructions from my client,'' Mr. Bean said. "There are certain factors of family background which may be affecting this young man.'' Mr. Bean added: "He does accept that there was a sexual assault. But he was coaxed by the girl to participate in the activities.

"She had explained to him what she liked to do with her boyfriend which led to the older person taking her into the bedroom. Once there the young lady would put up objections to the boy's presence and he would leave, only to be summoned back by the older person.'' Mr. Bean added: "I understand that several hours were spent at Hamilton Police Station trying to get him to communicate. That's all the more reason why a social inquiry report should be ordered.'' The adult male will be tried on February 29. He pleaded not guilty to the same sexual assault charge on October 27. He was released on $500 bail.

The boy was released on $1,000 bail with two sureties until his sentencing on January 19.

Under the Young Offenders Act and the Criminal Code, none of the parties can be identified by name or address nor can any details which may lead to their identification be printed.