A drunken pervert sent sexual Facebook messages to an underage girl asking her intimate questions and also asking about her bra size and underwear.
David Owens had gained the trust of the youngster and sent her texts via social media.
However, one evening, the 33-year-old's tone took a more sinister turn after he contacted the teen and sent her sexualised messages.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Owens then asked the girl to delete their conversations, telling her he was being "naughty-minded".
But the "upset and tearful" victim showed the messages to her parents, who phoned the police and Owens was later arrested.
Now, the pervert, of Scruton Avenue, Plains Farm, Sunderland, has been given a two-year community order and told to do 75 hours of unpaid work after he pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child.
Judge Paul Sloan QC, the Recorder of Newcastle, told him: "This conduct was committed at a time when you had been drinking heavily and were very much the worse for drink.
"And, while that can't excuse what you did on this occasion, it does provide an explanation, given that an analysis of all your electronic devices confirms you have never engaged in any other inappropriate behaviour in your past.
"I accept you're ashamed about what you did that night and you're genuinely remorseful."
The court heard that Owens and the victim's contact had been initially harmless.
However, on the day of the offence, Owens sent the girl messages over Facebook, which included intimate questions and asking her what her bra size was and what underwear she was wearing.
He then told her he was being "naughty-minded" before asking her to delete their conversation.
The court was told that, after being challenged by the teenager, Owens quickly apologised and ended their chat.
However, the youngster, whose confidence has been "crushed" by the incident, told her parents.
Fiona Lamb, defending, said Owens had no past convictions and still denied having a sexual interest in children.
She added: "It was drink-induced. He has taken steps to reduce that risk."
Owens was also made subject of a restraining order, banning him from contacting the victim for seven years.
