Two schoolboys forced two children, aged six and seven, to perform a sexual act on each other in a ‘sick’ attack at a play area.

The youngsters struggled and cried as they were held down by two older boys who threatened to  throw them in a nearby fire if they refused to do what they wanted.

And when the boys were freed from the sickening attack, which took place in a Blacon play area, the 12-year-old defendant assaulted the seven-year-old by urinating on his head.

Appearing before Chester Magistrates Court on Thursday (December 19) two boys aged 12 and 15 pleaded guilty to the ‘disturbing’ attack which left the two young children deeply traumatised.

The attackers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were handed a 12 month youth referral order following the assault which happened in broad day light and was witnessed by at least two other children.

Sentencing the pair, District Judge Michael Abelson said he was disturbed by the ‘sickening incident’, but felt it was not serious enough to send them to crown court.

The children were at a play area in Blacon during the school summer holidays in August when they were attacked.

The youngest, aged six, was grabbed and tripped over before the other victim, aged seven, was forced to perform a sexual act.

“There were threats made to encourage him to do this,” said Kate Marchuk, prosecuting.

“Because of these threats [the boy] did it.”

And after the ordeal had ended the court heard how the children were further assaulted with the 15-year-old throwing or pushing a bike at the six-year-old while the other urinated on the seven-year-old’s head.

“The [boy] was crying and told him to stop this on several occasions,” said Ms Marchuk.

“Both boys were humiliated and very upset.”

Defending the 12-year-old – previously dealt with by the police for pulling down the trousers of a boy, aged 10, and for criminal damage – Richard Thomas said: “It is not the case that he is a normal 12 year old boy, he has special learning needs as well.

“He did not fully appreciate the seriousness of what he had done. He and two girls went to the mother’s address and told her what had occurred. He seemed to think it was a joke.”

Defending the 15-year-old, Chris Johnson said his client had the mental age of a much younger child and the parents spent a long time trying to teach him the difference between right and wrong.

“Both have done their best and continue to do their best.”

District Judge Abelson slated the incident as ‘disgusting’ saying he was very worried about the actions of the 12-year-old who had not acted the way a ‘normal’ child would.

“Clearly the behaviour was disgusting. I mean this seriously that despite his tender age I will lock him up. Should [he] break this order and continue to offend and find himself back before my court I might not find myself to be quite so lenient.”

The two defendants each pleaded guilty to two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of assault by beating.

The parents of the two defendants will also pay £50 court costs.