Loner snared after turning up to meet 'girl'

Stephen Jones thought he was having online sex chat with a schoolgirlcalled Holly but had been duped by Dark Justice, who had set up the fake teen profile.

Members of the undercover organisation pose as children online to expose adults looking for illegal contact.

Newcastle Crown Court heard in March last year the group set up a fake profile of 'Holly' on a virtual speed-dating app called Fast Flirting.

Jones, 54, made contact with the account and believed he was talking to a child aged 14.

Prosecutor John Hobley told the court: "When the Holly account asked if it was okay she was 14 Mr Jones replied 'of course hun'."

The court heard Jones sent two graphic photographs, asked if the girl would strip for him and reassured her when she talked about the possibility of pregnancy.

Mr Hobley said Jones arranged to meet the teen at the University Metro station in Sunderland and added: "He offered that Holly could stay the night at his house.

"Mr Jones travelled to the station where he was detained by members of Dark Justice before the police attended and arrested him."

Jones, of no fixed address, denied having any sexual intention when interviewed by the police.

He later admitted attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming.

Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced Jones to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation and alcohol treatment requirements.

He must sign the sex offenders register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

The judge said Jones has a history of mental health problems and alcohol misuse and has been living in Salvation Army hostel accommodation.

Judge Clemitson told him: "You are assessed as a low risk of further sexual crime.

"You don't meet the criteria for sexual offender groupwork programmes.

"Your issues are more to do with alcohol misuse than your inability to deal with sexual urges towards children."

David Callan, defending, said Jones was "isolated and lonely" at the time of the offence and has had a serious problem with alcohol.

Mr Callan said Jones, who worked on building sites, had a good employment record and has sought help with his alcohol problem.