Man sent intimate sexual image to fake account while trying to meet 14-year-old girl for sex

Stuart Burnett, 35, of Church End Close, Billingham, admitted communicating with the fictitious 14-year-old at least twice, intending it would lead to a meeting and to penetrative sex.

He also pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child aged under 16, including sending an intimate sexual image, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

Burnett committed the offences between November 16 and 19 2019, with the image relating to a non-existent girl named ‘Louise’, prosecutor Ansab Shan said.

Mr Shan added: “This defendant has tried to meet a child for penetrative sexual activity.

“’Louise’ is actually an adult who had set up an account. It’s a fake account.”

Burnett was granted unconditional bail and will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.

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