Man who attempted to have sex chat with child caught in police sting

Scott Hall thought he was chatting to a 12-year-old schoolgirl over Snapchat last January but a law enforcement operative was behind the fake profile.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Hall called himself "George" on the app and said he was from Birmingham.

Hall turned the conversation sexual, asked about the girl's underwear and pestered her to send him pictures of her bottom from the toilets at school.

He asked if she was going to be a "good girl for daddy" and sent her an explicit video of himself having sex with an adult female.

Hall, 28, of Mill Lane, Whitburn, Sunderland, admitted attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act and attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child.

The court heard he has no previous convictions and has been in custody on remand since last November.

Recorder Bryan Cox KC said Hall has psychological difficulties, is emotionally vulnerable and has social anxiety.

Hall was sentenced to 12 months suspended for two years with rehabilitation requirements and mental health treatment requirements.

Nicoleta Alistari, defending, said Hall has support in the community and a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.