A perverted pensioner has been jailed after he was caught chatting with a ‘teenage’ boy online.

Eric Holding was already a registered sex offender when he struck up the conversation with the 14-year-old without realising he was actually talking to a police officer.

The 86-year-old was taken off to prison in his wheelchair after being locked up for child sex offences.

He pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court to attempted sexual communication with a child and three charges of possessing indecent images of children.

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Holding, of Churchill Drive, Marske, east Cleveland, was jailed for 18-months and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning contact with children under Sixteen and restricting his use of the Internet.

The Northern Echo: Eric HoldingEric Holding (Image: Cleveland Police)

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Mick Barnes, Investigating Officer, said: “I am satisfied with the sentence handed to Eric Holding, who committed these offences historically and has now been dealt with for his crimes.

“I would like to thank those who came forward and courageously took part in the judicial process, leading to Holding being brought to justice.”