Preston man tried to encourage 13-year-old into sexual acts online but was exposed by an undercover police officer

Benjamin Aspin, 36, of West Cliff, Preston, was caught out because he was communicating with an undercover police officer, Preston Crown Court was told.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child between October 11 and 17, 2018, believing she was 13, and 'coaching her' about sexual acts.

He admits attempting to incite a child into sexual activity, and a further count of attempting to communicate with a child between September 20 and October 3, 2018.

Aspin, who has no previous convictions, also entered guilty pleas to further charges of attempting to incite a 13-year-old child to watch a sexual act - pornography and sending her a video of an adult woman performing a sexual act.

During the hearing Aspin admitted having possession of two category C indecent images of children and possessing a prohibited image of a child, both on November 1, 2018.

She said: " All sentencing options, including prison, will be considered so you should prepare yourself for that."

He was given bail in the meantime and must sign the Sex Offender's Register on a interim basis.

(proceeding)

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