A MAN took advantage of a schoolgirl’s “crush” on him, exchanging inappropriate messages and intimate personal photographs via social media, a court heard.

Trevor James Carr, who referred to the 12-year-old girl as, “a sexy beast”, told her he was, “desperate” for her and sought a liaison at a local beauty spot for, “a dangerous kiss”.

Durham Crown Court was told that after a couple of months the girl became concerned, and left her phone for her mother to find.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said her mother was shocked at the dialogue between her daughter and a man almost 20-years-older. The girl also told her they had exchanged photographs, which she had deleted, so her mother did not get to see their true content.

It was eventually reported to the police, and the defendant, when arrested, claimed he thought the girl was, “about 15”, but went on to concede he knew she was younger.

Carr, 32, of Holyhead Close, Seaham, admitted causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, pornography and viewing a sexual image, the latter two charges relating to the exchanged photographs, plus attempting to facilitate a child sex offence.

Paul Cleasby, mitigating, said the defendant, of previous good character, is anxious to prove such behaviour won’t be repeated.

Jailing him for three years and four months, Judge Christopher Prince said Carr had taken advantage of a vulnerable girl’s “crush”, through, “grooming behaviour”.

He made Carr subject to restrictions under a ten-year Sexual Harm Offences Order, while the defendant must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register, indefinitely.