A man has been sentenced and placed on the Sexual Offenders Register after engaging with a woman he believed to be a child.
Anthony Chell, 50, made contact with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl in Skegness, via a social media app in October 2019.
Chell later held a conversation with her during which he allegedly performed a sex act.
However, what he didn't realise was the girl was actually an adult acting on behalf of an on-line activist group.
As a result a recording was made of the incident and later passed on to the police.
He was arrested on October 20 after group members confronted him at his home address and police were called.
Chell, of Moor Street, Mansfield, later admitted the offence to Nottinghamshire Police.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, August 27 he was sentenced to a 30 month community order for attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child.
He was also ordered to attend a sexual offending group work programme for up to 90 days, along with a rehabilitation order requirement of 20 days.
Chell was also given a 30 month Community Order (to run concurrently) for attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
He was also place on the Sexual Offences Register for five years and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for another five years.
Inspector Jamie Hill, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a serious offence committed by a man who believed he was speaking to a child. Thankfully that was not the case and no young people were harmed as a result of his actions.
“But Chell knew perfectly well that what he thought he was doing was not only wrong, but also a crime. I am pleased that he has now accepted responsibility for that and has been punished accordingly.
“However, I must also make clear that, although we have a responsibility to fully examine any evidence presented to us, we do not endorse the actions of independent groups who engage in this activity. Whilst we will always respond to organisations like this, they can also disrupt on-going investigations.
“Protecting children from harm is a priority for us, and every month we take actions that safeguard hundreds of young people. If people want to contribute to our efforts to protect children I would urge them to visit www.citizensinpolicing.net for more information.”
