A DEVASTATED family has hit out at a three-month prison sentence imposed on a Deeside man who indecently assaulted a six-year-old boy.

The father and grandfather of the victim said that it was disgusting and claimed that he should have receive a two-year sentence at least.

John Graham Brotherstone, 62, received the three-month sentence from Judge John Rogers, sitting at Mold Crown Court.

Brotherstone must also register with the police as a sex offender for seven years.

He had a previous conviction for indecently assaulting a boy in 1990.

Judge Rogers told Brotherstone, of Strickland Street, Shotton, that he had touched a little boy and the aggravating feature was that he had committed a similar offence previously.

'Only a prison sentence is now appropriate. I have to decide how long that sentence should be.

'What impresses me most of all ­ and this is important ­ is that you admitted your guilt before the police saw you, you admitted it to the police and you pleaded guilty.

'As a result, the child did not have to give evidence and that makes a huge difference.'

The judge said that he also took into account his age and the fact he had never served a prison sentence before.

But the family of the victim who were in the public gallery listening to the case were furious.

The father said that he was 'absolutely gutted' and thought the sentence was disgraceful.

'I thought it would have been two years at least,' he declared.

He said that he had listened to the case in the magistrates court where they had decided that they did not have enough power to deal with the case and they could have given him six months.

The dad said that his son was now nervous and clingy after what had happened.

The boy's grandad said that he thought it was a disgrace. 'He needs to keep away for his own safety,' he said.

Malcolm Knight, defending, said Brotherstone had admitted what he had done at such an early stage that the boy did not have to go through the trauma of being interviewed.

His client felt genuine and real remorse and could not understand why he did it.

He felt that he needed help and would accept assistance.

Mr Knight said that the pre-sentence report classed him as a high risk of reoffending and there were fears for his safety.

He had been living at a bail hostel but his home at Shotton had been burgled while he had been away and he planned to sell up and move away.