A sex offender was called a “legend” after sending sick photos of a toddler to a fellow pervert.
Nicholas Cole had earlier abused the two year-old boy at his home in Hamilton last year.
The 43-year-old was in contact with other paedophiles online including via WhatsApp, Skype and Grindr.
Cole forwarded two indecent pictures of the boy to one individual he was communicating with.
Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel told the High Court in Glasgow: “In response to this, the person responded: ‘You are an absolute legend’.
“The conversation continued in a similar vein and the individual suggested meeting and abusing the child.”
First offender Cole is now behind bars after he pled guilty to five charges spanning between July 2018 and September 2019 at a hearing today (Monday, Janaury 27).
These included the sexual assault of the boy, conspiring with others to commit sexual offences against children as well as distributing or showing indecent photographs.
Cole – who worked as a credit controller – was remanded pending sentencing next month.
The court heard how his house in Hamilton was raided last September.
His iPhone and iPad were seized. A total of 141 photos and 21 video clips of young boys were found.
This included the abuse of the two year-old at Cole’s home between May and September 2019.
The often graphic chats Cole had with other perverts were also traced.
There was discussion of being with a boy to meet one paedophile.
This individual “taunted” Cole, who then replied: “It is a big f*****g deal, man. Sorry for just not handing him over to you.
“It is just not that easy to get him away from his mum for a couple of hours.”
The court heard Drumpellier Park in Lanarkshire had been suggested as a possible location to meet.
Rhonda Anderson, defending, said Cole was “clearly ashamed”.
The lawyer added: “He became involved in the conversations with these persons and felt encouraged by them.
“There certainly seems to be an element that he wanted some form of acceptance from those online.
“He tells me there was never any intention to carry out what was discussed.”
Lord Beckett deferred sentencing for reports. Cole was placed on the sex offenders’ list.
