A TEENAGER who has threatened suicide has admitted sex offences on his 18th birthday.

Keith Marston turned 18 the day he faced Worcester magistrates charged with sexual touching a 13-year-old, criminal damage and assault of a police officer.

Marston – who pleaded guilty to all three charges at Worcester Magistrates Court – committed the offences when he was 17.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, told the court the sexual offence charge was bought following rumours in his home town of Tenbury about Marston having intercourse with a 13-year-old girl on Saturday, January 8.

When Marston was interviewed, he admitted an incident had taken place. He told police he had been drinking with friends and, when he left, he received a text from the girl asking to meet. He met her in an alleyway and – while her friend stood at the entrance – Marston and the girl engaged in sexual touching.

Marston told police he had thought the girl was 14 years old but he did know it was wrong and put a stop to the touching. After the admission, Marston was released on police bail.

Mr Dodson said the criminal damage and assault charges related to Saturday, May 7, when Marston was at his mother’s house with his mother and girlfriend. There was a row, after which Marston went to the shed, closed the door and started to fill it with propane gas. His girlfriend opened the door and there was a struggle. The police were called and noted the garden fence and other items had been damaged.

In the house, Marston threw a microwave at an officer’s head. Luckily, it was still plugged in so missed its intended target.

Edward Gaynor-Smith, defending, said his client had a history of mental illness, including schizophrenia and relied on alcohol after his medication was stopped following a suicide attempt.

Mr Gaynor-Smith said: “This is a young man who realises he needs help. He might get it more quickly if he is in custody.”

Mr Dodson added: “Marston tried to fill the shed area with gas. He told police officers he would hang himself from a tree should he be released.”

Magistrates remanded Marston in custody until he appears at Worcester Crown Court for sentence on Thursday, June 9.