A FORMER soldier who propositioned a schoolgirl in a series of seedy text messages walked free yesterday (Tuesday).

Lee Nendick was repeatedly told by the teenager that his advances were not welcome - yet still he continued.

His barrister, Tom Mitchell, told Teesside Crown Court that the 31-year-old had "absolute contrition".

Nendick, from North Yorkshire, admitted inciting a child to engage in sexual activity at an earlier hearing.

The court heard that among the sordid messages sent to the girl was a picture of Nendick's private parts.

Mr Mitchell said the ex-squaddie's post-traumatic stress disorder may have hampered his thinking and acts.

"He has never done anything like this before and he will never do anything like it again," said Mr Mitchell.

"The first thing he would like to say, and does properly, is to say sorry to her for what he has done.

"If that's taken as a decent and proper act of contrition, then perhaps he can retain his liberty today.

"Apart from the absolute contrition that he brings with him to the dock, he brings a real sense of self-loathing and proper disgust.

"It is a dreadful way for an otherwise good man to lose his good character. He well appreciates that.

"It is not so much a question of him being sorry for himself, but he is sorry for what he has done to his victim."

Nendick, of Manor Grove, Colburn, Catterick Garrison, was given a three-year community order with supervision.

He was also ordered to pay £300 costs and put on a three-month electronic tag curfew from 8pm to 6am.

Judge Peter Bowers told him: "This was wholly inappropriate and unsolicited behaviour by you.

"She showed more maturity and common sense than you did. She gave no reason to believe that your approaches would be welcome.

"What you did at the time obviously caused her to be distressed, and fortunately she had the sense to reject your persistent advances."

He added: "I accept that you served in the Army with some distinction, and you now bear the psychological scars for the horrors you witnessed.

"That does not excuse what you did, but it raises issues that need to be addressed."