A DEGREE student tried to get an underage girl to send topless pictures of herself by telling her his friend was a photographer and could get her a modelling contract.

When the girl refused, saying she was just 13, Roy Phillips told her not to worry as the photographer was gay and persisted with his demands, this time asking her to send a picture of her bent over in a bikini.

When the victim’s mother checked her daughter’s Facebook page and saw the conversation between the pair, she contacted Phillips and warned him to stay away and not to contact the young girl.

But undeterred, the 20-year defendant then turned his attention to the older woman asking her if she was interested in sending him similar pictures. The police were then contacted and they arrested Phillips in August 2013.

Phillips admitted two counts of inciting a child to engage in a sexual act and was given a three year community order at Teesside Crown Court.

The court heard how there had been a two year delay with the case as police investigated contacts Phillips had with up to seven of the girl’s school friends, all from the South Durham area.

Prosecuting, Oliver Thorne said Phillips, of Great Horton, Bradford, used an alias in his conversations with the victim and told her: “You’re beautiful.”

He said: “He asked her if she wanted to meet a friend of his who was a photographer and wanted to take photos of her and who could obtain a modelling contract for her.”

Mr Thorne added: “He knew full well the disparity in age, but he pursued what he wanted using a false incentive.”

Nigel Soppitt, mitigating said Phillips had sought help through professional therapy and counselling.

He said the defendant had hoped to pursue a career in medicine, but had now been criminalised at a young age.

Judge Peter Armstrong said a psychiatric report on Phillips showed he was suffering emotional difficulties at the time of his offending.

The judge made him subject to a sexual harm prevention order which means for the next five years he cannot use the internet to contact any child aged under 16.

He will also have to notify police he moves and undergo a sex offenders’ treatment programme.