A CHURCHGOER who groomed an underage girl with flattering text messages has dodged prison - so he can get sex offender treatment.

Richard Ogilvie, 32, from Hartlepool, was told by a judge yesterday that he would not get the help he needs if he was locked up.

The Jehovah's Witness - given a 15-month suspended jail sentence - was said to be willing to comply with any orders that were made.

Although he still denies any wrongdoing, his barrister Christine Egerton told Teesside Crown Court that he accepts a jury's verdict.

Ogilvie was convicted after a trial last month of grooming, and was cleared of inciting the girl to engage in sexual activity.

The court heard that he had promised to wait until she was 15 before they would kiss and cuddle - but he never mentioned sex.

Miss Egerton said it was an "unusual and exceptional case" and the community would be better served if he was not imprisoned.

The court heard how shop worker Ogilvie told the teenager she was "indescribably gorgeous" and that he dreamed about her.

In one text message, he wrote: "Going to try and dream about you and me together - big squishy hugs and kisses gorgeous girl.”

Ogilvie sent other texts saying he loved her to bits, but said they would have to be careful about their relationship.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, told him: "You are a man with an unhealthy interest in girls of a certain age. That's a concern.

"But there is no evidence of any sexual contact between you and her. It was grooming towards sexual activity to take place in the future.

"It is quite clear you were prepared to wait to carry out any form of sexual activity but it was your intention to do so while she was still under the age of consent."

Ogilvie, of Scott Grove, Hartlepool, was also put on the sex offenders' register for ten years and given am indefinite restraining order.

Miss Egerton said: "He had a sheltered upbringing, but, of course, that doesn't provide any excuse for the crime he has committed.

"Since his conviction, he has received a level of punishment. He lost his job immediately but he has not hidden his conviction.

"It is public knowledge. He knows it should not be hidden and that's part of the moving forward and coming to terms with what he has been found guilty of."