A County Durham schoolboy who faces being placed on the Sex Offender Register after admitting smacking girls' bottoms is at the centre of a High Court hearing.
On Tuesday two judges heard the boy had also confessed to touching two girls on the breast area outside their jumpers.
His father told the judges in London that, although the boy initially regarded his misbehaviour as "horseplay", he changed his attitude when interviewed by police.
But as well as a final warning from police, his son is required to record his name on the register for two-and-a-half years, wrecking his plans for a military career.
'Tough job'
The youngster has not been required to sign on the register unitl the outcome of his High Court case is decided.
The case highlights the argument over whether unconvicted juvenile offenders should be placed on the list.
The father claimed that, before his son confessed to the assaults, no warning was given that he could end up on the register.
He said: "The police have a tough job and have to be seen to protect the public.
"But they could have been more informative as to what the outcome would be in relation to this young man's future."
Lawyers for the 15-year-old boy, referred to in court as "R", are seeking judicial review of the decision of Durham Police to refer him for registration.
The hearing, before Lord Justice Latham and Mr Justice Field, continues.
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