A man accused of trying to have a sexual conversation and share pictures with a child has appeared in court.

Benjamin Prentice, 24, of Lindisfarne Avenue, Chester-le-Street, has been charged with two offences following his arrest by police.

His case was heard before magistrates sitting in Peterlee on Friday.

It is alleged that on April 28 last year he attempted to communicate with a person under 16 to discuss sexual acts and to exchange explicit photographs.

He faces a second charge of sharing sexual photos on May 8 last year.

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The defendant has indicated guilty pleas will be submitted.

Unconditional bail has been granted but he must register with the police until case is dealt with.

The case will next be heard at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on April 2.