Pervert sent intimate pictures to paedophile hunters he believed were schoolgirls aged 13 and 14

Bearded Terry Hoyland, 30, sent electronic communications to ‘Chloe’ and ‘Amy’, unaware they were fake profiles created by vigilantes.

In fact, two groups were monitoring his messages and members of one went to his then Wearside home and confronted him.

Hoyland, previously of Chester Street, Houghton but now of Bruce Crescent, Hartlepool, could face jail after prosecutors revealed the starting point for his crimes is four years behind bars.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of being an adult who attempted to engage in sexual communication with a child when he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard he actively pursued the girls between January 23 and January 30, 2019, but the charges relate to February 2 of the same year.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy said: “The offence is aggravated by the fact that the defendant sends images to two girls he believed to be 13 and 14.

“Two vigilante groups have set up profiles of 13 and 14-year-olds.

“After engagement, the defendant turns the conversation into sexual conversation.”

The prosecutor said he sends photos of himself, including intimate pictures, and he is aware that one girl is 13 and the other 14.

“He then suggests that they meet up, but no plans were set in place,” she added. “One vigilante group attends his house.

“These offences are aggravated by the defendant sending [intimate] images and suggesting sexual activity. The starting point is four years in custody.”

Angus Westgarth, defending, said: “I’m not sure I accept all my friend has said about sexual activity.”

Magistrates adjourned the case and committed Hoyland to Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, January 12.

He was granted unconditional bail but was made subject to the Sex Offender Register for a period of time yet to be decided.

Its terms mean he must attend a police station within three days to give a variety of personal details.

These include his permanent address, date of birth, national insurance number and passport details.

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