A pervert is facing time behind bars after he tried to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old boy he had groomed.
Michael Bentley sent sexually explicit messages to the youngster online but was unaware he was actually chatting to a decoy set up by vigilante paedophile hunters.
The 38-year-old then arranged to meet the teen in Asda car park, in Gosforth, but was instead confronted by the group.
Bentley, of Cannock, in Killingworth, North Tyneside, was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following grooming and attempting to engage a child in sexual communication when he appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court.
Ben Woodward, prosecuting, said an online group called Groomers Resisters Scotland set up the decoy profile of a 13-year-old boy and made his age clear to Bentley when he started messaging on August 11 2018.
A month later, on September 12, he arranged to meet the teen at Asda, on Hollywood Avenue.
Mr Woodward said: "My friend and I agree that this is not suitable for this court and should be sent to the crown court for sentence.
"Given that penetrative sex was discussed, this would exceed your sentencing powers."
Michael Gibson, defending, agreed with the prosecution.
Committing Bentley to Newcastle Crown Court for sentence, District Judge Paul Currer said: "You have pleaded guilty to serious offences.
"In relation to how they're dealt with, I can't sentence you in this court because they're too serious.
"You will have to go to Newcastle Crown Court to be dealt with there."
Bentley was released on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on September 16.
