'Potter' actor condemns sex offence

Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint has expressed his "disgust" at the behaviour of a former childhood friend, who received a caution for a sexual assault on a girl.

Joshua Lodge, 19, was caught with the girl, whose age has not been released, at Grint's 18th birthday party last year. He was later arrested over the incident but denied a charge of sexual activity with a child.

Lodge appeared in court yesterday and was told that he would not face jail time. Instead, he received a caution and was forced to sign the national sex offenders register.

In a statement released yesterday, Grint explained: "I am totally appalled and disgusted by the actions of Mr Joshua Lodge. I am 100 per cent behind the victim and indeed all victims affected by this type of crime."