Caught on camera: Sunderland man who thought he was meeting 13-year-old girl for sex

Simon Bagley believed that he was chatting to a young girl named Charlotte on the social networking website Hi5.

However, when the 42-year-old arrived to meet her in Newcastle he was snared by paedophile hunters Dark Justice, who contacted the police.

Bagley was caught by the group after contacting one of their decoy accounts - designed to track down men who are seeking sexual activity with underage girls.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Bagley told the fictitious girl that her age did not matter and that he wanted to take her virginity regardless.

He also told her to send him a picture of her dressed in school uniform.

Prosecutor Christoper Rose told the court how Bagley was made aware immediately of the girl's age, however persisted in perusing her.

He said: "He said that her age was not a problem.

"The defendant asked her if they could have sex.

"He asked for her to let him take her virginity.

"He asked her to have a shower with him and he was complimentary to her, asking her for pictures.

"When asked by police, he said that he only went there to warn Charlotte about the dangers of meeting up with strangers - he knew that he has been stood up."

Bagley of Watts Moses House, Hendon, Sunderland, admitted attempting to meet a child under the age of 16.

Tony Hawks, defending, told the court: "He is pathetic and vulnerable.

"It was an attempt to meet a girl under the age of 16.

"He was working but had not for a number of years - he has now worked up a debt of £4000."

Judge Paul Sloan QC sentenced Bagley to 12 months in prison suspended for two years and ordered him to sign the sex offenders register for five years.

He also imposed a 60 day rehabilitation order.

Judge Sloan told Bagley: "You asked her inappropriate questions. You wanted pictures of her in her school uniform.

"You went to meet the girl at Times Square and were shocked when you were confronted by members of Dark Justice.

"You then told police that you were only there to teach Charlotte about dangers, something I simply don't accept.

"I can see that your parents have come out to support you, and they have continued to support you throughout.

"If this was more than an attempt then you would be given an immediate custodial sentence."