A 23-YEAR-OLD man, who kissed a child he tracked down on the internet, has been ordered to complete a sexual offending treatment programme.

Thomas Marron admitted sexual activity with the 13-year-old girl after the victim’s mother saw a disturbing comment on Facebook, about her daughter and an older man.

Marron, of Duke Street, Bolton, was sentenced to a three-year community order, under which he is subject to a sexual offending treatment programme.

He must also inform police of his address for the next five years. Bolton Crown Court heard yesterday that Marron looked the girl up on Facebook after seeing her pictured playing hockey in The Bolton News in 2009.

Thomas Fitzpatrick, prosecuting, said that Marron contacted the girl on the social networking website, where they chatted until the girl asked him to “chat” on instant MSN messenger.

The girl told Marron that she was aged 14, when she was aged 13, and he told her he was 20-years-old — his age at the time.

Mr Fitzpatrick said the girl was off school on on January 7, 2010, and invited Marron to her home. Her sister was also home.

The pair watched a film together before he made reference to some kisses, which had been discussed previously. Mr Fitzpatrick said: “Marron kissed her while they were on the stairs.

“She didn’t really like it, she found it boring. It lasted for about 20 seconds.”

The girl’s mother then reported the incident to police.

Ian Metcalfe, defending, said Marron, who was of previous good character, had not contacted the victim since and was unlikely to commit similar offences again.

Recorder Mark Ainsworth, sentencing, said: “She knew you were aged 20 and knew of your true identity.

“Nevertheless the point is clear — you, as the adult, should have taken responsibility to make sure that the relationship with her was proper.”

He added Marron was relatively immature for his age and the case was not a breach of trust.