Pervert caught messaging schoolgirl when he called police to check on her welfare

Daniel Robson contacted the authorities in January 2024 to report concerns about a 14-year-old he had been communicating with in another country, who had told him she was the victim of sexual offending.

Newcastle Crown Court heard when officers looked at the online conversation Robson had had with the girl, they found illicit messages he had sent to her.

Police also found his collection of 124 child abuse images and evidence he had distributed some.

Robson, 46, of Hastings Avenue, Newcastle, admitted possessing and distributing indecent images, across all three categories of seriousness and attempted sexual communication with a child.

Judge Carolyn Scott told him: "The facts are quite unusual.

"On January 24 2024 police attended your home address, you having telephoned them to report concerns you had regarding a 14-year-old girl you had been communicating with in another country."

The judge said Robson told officers the teen had told him she had been sexually abused but added: "It became apparent you were having sexual communication with the girl."

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The court heard the conversations revealed Robson had been told at an early stage he was talking to a 14-year-old.

He had also been involved in other "disturbing" conversations. Robson was sentenced to two years suspended for two years with 200 hours unpaid work and rehabilitation requirements.

The court heard Robson had suffered a family tragedy and was in a "fragile mental state" at the time of the offences.

Judge Scott said he has since shown genuine remorse.