A MAN with low IQ fell for a social media sting by communicating in sexualised terms with what he believed to be an underage girl, a court heard.

Adam Miles Redman asked for indecent pictures of what he believed to be 13-year-old ‘Ashleigh’, urging her to perform a sex act on herself in one, and went on to suggest meeting to have sex with her.

He said they could meet in Durham and he even suggested bringing along three other ‘lads’, who were prepared to pay her £60 if they could also have sex with the ‘girl’.

But, Durham Crown Court heard Redman, then 26, appeared to get cold feet when ‘Ashleigh’ asked the type and colour of car he would be driving to the rendezvous

The court was told, in reality, ‘Ashleigh’ did not exist and was merely the latest ruse used by vigilante group Guardians of the North to trap potential paedophiles.

One of the group’s members went to police with evidence of the exchanges and led them to an address where Redman was living.

He was arrested and in his first interview admitting taking part in the communication with what he thought was ‘Ashleigh’.

The now 28-year-old defendant, of Mandela Close, Sunderland, admitted six counts of incitement and two of attempting to meet an underage girl for sex.

His sentencing hearing was told he has no previous convictions, has learning difficulties and suffered some brain injuries in a road accident at the age of 12.

Chris Morrison, mitigating, said Redman never did attempt to meet the ‘girl’ and pulled out of the rendezvous.

He said there were no other ‘’lads’ as his suggestion was mere “bravado”.

Mr Morrison added that Redman portrays a “palpable” lack of maturity.

Recorder Caroline Wigin said, given the defendant’s lack of maturity and learning difficulties, she could suspend the 18-month prison sentence for two years.

But he must undergo 30 rehabilitation activity days with the Probation Service. He is also subject to registration as a sex offender and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, both for ten years.