Moment father caught attempting to meet 14-year-old for sex

A father who had a breakdown after the death of his child was caught by so-called 'paedophile hunters' after trying to arrange to meet a girl for sex.

Ross Wilcox, 30, sent messages to an online account he believed belonged to a 14-year-old schoolgirl called Sarah and, after discussing sex, arranged a meeting.

But he had in fact been communicating with the group Dark Justice, whose members confronted him when he arrived at Newcastle's St James Metro station for the rendezvous.

Wilcox, of Cramlington, Northumberland, has now admitted attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and was handed a suspended sentence.

His sentencing comes the day after a senior policeman admitted UK police forces may have to begin working with groups like Dark Justice, who have not been deterred by previous warnings not to get involved.

Prosecutor Neil Pallister told Newcastle Crown Court Wilcox had sent a message to the fake profile and the conversation quickly moved on to private, graphic, WhatsApp messages, despite him being told Sarah was just 14.

He later discussed if she wanted to 'try sex' and, within four days of getting in contact, arranged a meeting, the prosecutor said.

The court heard Wilcox, who had learning difficulties, was sectioned under the mental health act last August while grieving the death of his child.