Following the breakdown of a relationship he went online to meet someone.

He made contact with a girl called Lucy, claiming to be aged 18, on January 29 last year. 

But it was a ploy, and Lucy did not exist, Leicester Crown Court was told.

Mary Prior, prosecuting, said: “On January 31 Lucy told the defendant she was just 13-years-old.”

Instead of ending the contact, he messaged saying: “Pretty gutted ur only 13 ur quite fit.”

He went on to ask her sexual questions and sent her indecent photographs.

He then tried to persuade her to send him topless pictures, which she refused to do.

There was discussion about meeting but in the end he made an excuse and there was no rendezvous.

Copson (28), of Beatrice Road, Newfoundpool, Leicester, was jailed for eight months.

He admitted inciting a child to watch a sex act by sending indecent images of himself.

He also admitted inciting her to engage in sexual activity, via the internet.

Judge Ebraham Mooncey said: “You’re an intelligent man and you should have known better.

“A deterrent sentence has to be passed.

“This legislation is designed to protect children.

“You’ve shown in the traffic of messages you were ready and willing to explain the naivety of a child.

“Fortunately there was no real victim.

“Your reaction to learning she was 13 is where you fell down.”

Mrs Prior said the Letzgo Hunting campaigners handed over the incriminating online messages to the police which resulted in Copson’s arrest.

Vasanti Vaitha, mitigating, said: “He’s remorseful and ashamed of his actions.

“He went onto the website when he was at a low point following the breakup of a relationship.

“Online dating was a completely new experience and he initially thought he was speaking with an 18-year-old.

“He should have stopped when told she was 13 but he continued to engage with this person.

“Thankfully there wasn’t a real girl.”

There was never any intention to meet up, she said.

Copson had attended court with family and new partner, the court was told.

He was placed on a 10 year sexual harm prevention order and will have to ensure his address is on a sex offender register for the same period.