September 2016

Pervert admits child sex offences after being snared by online ‘paedophile hunters’

A pervert admitted child sex offences after being snared by a group of ‘paedophile hunters’.

Stephen Rimmer, 33, thought he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl when he sent explicit pictures of his private parts online.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child at Sefton Magistrates’ Court today.

Rimmer, of Stella Nova in Washington Parade, Bootle , could now face a prison sentence.

In a brief hearing, prosecutor David Maxwell said: “The defendant made contact with them, he believed he was contacting a 14-year-old girl. The conversation between the two groups was sexual in nature. Pictures of himself masturbating were sent to what he believed was a 14-year-old girl.”

Mr Maxwell said Rimmer had no previous convictions.

Chairman of the bench, Frank Dainty, declined jurisdiction of the case and sent Rimmer to Liverpool Crown Court for sentence.

He was released on bail with conditions not to have unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18.

Rimmer must also sign the sex offenders’ register for a length of time to be determined by the crown court.