A pervert who paid for children overseas to be abused for "cam shows" that he could view was caught in a police sting.

Jamie Gibson sent cash to a PayPal account to watch a young girl and later sent more money in a bid to view two children performing. Newcastle Crown Court heard neither "show" took place, no real children were involved and Gibson's cash was refunded.

When police raided Gibson's home they found his downloaded collection of 13 images of children being abused, featuring victims aged between five and 15.

Gibson, 28, of Neville Court, Sulgrave, Washington, Tyne and Wear, admitted arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and making indecent images, across all three categories of seriousness.

Prosecutor Neil Jones said Gibson had a conversation on social media in June 2024 and added: "He was asked if he was interested in a cam show with a young girl and responded he would love that."

The court heard Gibson was "offered" two children and said he would prefer the older girl, followed by a graphic chat about what he would like the child to do. Mr Jones said the cam show did not go ahead.

The following month there was a similar conversation in which Gibson said he "preferred" two underage girls but again the cam show again did not take place. Gibson's home was raided and he confessed he had got involved in illegal images through "curiosity".

Judge Gavin Doig sentenced him to two years, suspended for two years, with programme, rehabilitation and 150 hours unpaid work. Gibson must sign the sex offenders register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

Judge Doig said Gibson currently poses a high risk to children but told him: "The sentence I intend to pose is designed to reduce that risk. The sentence I'm going to impose is not being passed out of sympathy for you, I have none, it is designed to protect children who would otherwise be at risk from you."

The court heard Gibson has no other offences on his record.

Jason Smith, defending, said Gibson is a hard-working man with two jobs, which he may now lose and was "isolated" at the time of the offences.

Mr Smith said Gibson "didn't believe it was real" but accepted the offending shows "worrying traits" and added: "He regrets his actions, understands the harm that would have resulted and can't really explain why he got into that situation.