A Chippenham man has pleaded guilty to offences after a paedophile hunter sting.
20-year-old David Shipway admitted charges of attempting sexual communication with a child and inciting a child to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.
Swindon Magistrates’ Court were told on Wednesday (17 January) that the defendant, of Ladyfield Road, was arrested by police when paedophile hunters attended his home.
During conversations with a person posing as a 14-year-old girl online, he used sexual language and asked her to share explicit sexual photographs. He also sent her a photograph of his penis.
Kate Prince, prosecuting, said she believes the case to be in the category 1A, the most serious – and suggested that it should be sent to a crown court for sentencing.
Defence solicitor Mark Glendenning said his client has mental health issues and problems recognising the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviours.
A pre-sentence report was ordered and the case was sent to Swindon Crown Court for sentencing on 16 February. He was released on unconditional bail.
He was told to register as a sex offender within 72 hours. The lengthy of the registration will be determined by the sentence given next month.
