A FATHER-of-three was caught in the toilets on Blackburn railway station committing an act of gross indecency with a 14-year-old boy.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Khalid Mohammed Musani, 30, had originally been charged with indecent assault, but the lesser charge had eventually been put because of the issue of consent.

Musani, 30, of Ambleside Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to gross indecency and the case was adjourned until April 29 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports. Musani was placed on the sex offenders register.

Peter Wild, prosecuting, said two youths entered the toilets at about the same time as Musani. One of them left and then Musani and the other left the toilets. Musani and the second youth later returned and both were found in one of the cubicles.

Kevin Preston, defending, said the 14-year-old boy looked more like 18 and it was accepted by the prosecution that he had consented to go into the cubicle.

"This was a consensual act between two males, technically in public but behind closed doors," said Mr Preston. He said that as a result of the matter appearing in the press Musani had had his windows broken and the police had become involved in protecting him.

Mr Preston said Musani had told the truth about what had happened behind closed doors in a railway station.

"If he had not co-operated he might not have had to come before the court at all," said Mr Preston.

Ordering pre-sentence reports, district judge Michael Hopkinson said the difference in age between Musani and the boy was significant.

"I feel the defendant's personal circumstances should be looked at on a professional basis in order to try and ensure this doesn,t happen again," said the judge.