Nicola Quinney, prosecuting, said during communication with the 14-year-old profile from June and July, 2018, Highton asked for pictures and sent a picture of himself masturbating and said he wanted sex.

Higton asked if she would like to touch herself and said he would like to meet her, according to Ms Quinney.

Ms Quinney added Higton contacted the second profile in September, 2018, and talked about her breasts and pornography and sent pornographic videos and a photo of his genitals and asked for photos of her and said he would like to kiss and cuddle.

Higton talked about touching and told her how she could touch herself and he sent a video of himself, according to Ms Quinney.

Ms Quinney added one of the groups visited Highton and contacted police and his computer was seized.

The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, and one count of attempting to incite a child into sexual activity concerning the first contact.

Concerning the second contact, he also admitted one count of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act and one count of attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity. Highton also admitted possessing two extreme pornographic images.

Judge Reeds QC sentenced Highton to 18 months of custody suspended for two years with a rehabilitation requirement. Highton was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.