AN online paedophile hunters group snared a 42-year-old Oldham man who arranged to meet an under-age girl near his home, a court heard.

Martin Campbell had been communicating with a schoolgirl he was told was aged 13 via a messaging app, Minshull Street Crown Court was told.

Not only did Campbell send the youngster an indecent picture but he also arranged to meet her and discussed having sex.

Prosecutor Duncan Wilcock said when he arrived at the rendevous point, he was confronted by members of the Child Online Safety Team.

Campbell denied he was meeting up with the 13-year-old, claiming he was there to meet his sister, Mr Wilcock added.

But the court heard representatives from the group showed him some of the messages he had been sending the girl, who was one of their 'decoys'. Campbell was detained and the police were alerted, leading to his arrest.

Mr Wilcock said the decoy had mentioned during online conversations that she was 13 and had only just finished school.

Their communications continued into a second day and Campbell messaged the girl with an indecent picture. Campbell suggested they meet up and told the girl some form of sexual activity would take place, said Mr Wilcock,

Campbell, of Ripponden Road, Oldham, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with an underage girl and attempting to meet a child following grooming.

Steven Sullivan, defending, said his client had a learning disability, a low IQ and cognitive difficulties and added: "He is a man who would clearly benefit from support, guidance and help."

Judge Sophie McKone bailed Campbell though until July 14, amid concerns over the risk he posed. after the defendant gave differing accounts to the probation service and psychologists over his remorse for the offences.