eight-year-old boy while on probation.

Calvin Leroy Simmons was a danger to young people, said Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis.

And he recommended 34-year-old Simmons, with a history of such convictions, receive treatment for his problem.

The case at Magistrates' Court highlighted Bermuda's difficulties in dealing with such sex offenders.

Senior Probation Officer Mr. Melvin Simmons told Mr. Francis the Island did not have a programme.

One doctor did offer counselling -- but charged for it, said Mr. Simmons.

Crown Counsel Mr. Stephen Harrison said Simmons committed the offence on September 1 at Shelly Bay beach.

Simmons had a brief conversation with the victim on the beach front at about 4.30 p.m.

The boy then followed Simmons to a pond area and asked him what he was looking for, said Mr. Harrison.

Simmons replied: "I am looking for cricket balls''.

Mr. Harrison said Simmons then pulled down his trousers and those of the boy.

He also fondled the boy, and "coerced'' the youngster to do the same.

"The victim later told his sister what had happened,'' said Mr. Harrison.

Mr. Harrison said Simmons, a self-employed landscaper, was on two years probation, and had previous convictions of a similar nature.

"It is the position of the Crown that the sexual abuse of children, particularly where the offender has a record, should result in imprisonment.'' Simmons, who pleaded guilty to the offence, accepted he had a problem, and asked Mr. Francis for help.

"I do have a flaw in my character. Everybody has problems, and I would like to get mine taken care of.''