The group, which was “dedicated to finding paedophiles on the internet”, set up a decoy social-media account in the name of a fictitious girl aged 14.

The group uploaded photos of the ‘girl’ and Prew contacted the social-media account asking to meet the girl and “asking for sexual photos”.

But no photos were sent because, unbeknown to Prew, he was communicating with an adult decoy.

Instead, at about 11.30pm on April 29, two members of the group turned up at his home and “challenged him on his doorstep”.

Police were called to Prew’s home and he was arrested.

He was taken into custody and made full admissions.

“He stated that he did not search for under-age contacts but was initially merely responding to ‘friends’ suggestions made to him by the Facebook system,” said Mr Ward.

“He admitted asking the decoy for sexual photos.”

Prew, of Blands Cliff, admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and appeared for sentence today (Thursday, August 4).

The offence occurred between March 23 and April 29.

Prew was given a two-year community order which includes a sex-offenders’ programme and rehabilitation activity.

He was also placed on the sex-offenders’ register for five years and made subject to a sexual-harm prevention order.