A MAN from Leigh sent pornographic images and pictures of his private parts to a girl he believed was aged 13.

But Bolton Crown Court heard how the girl was really an undercover police officer and Paul Hill was arrested after they had exchanged messages for three months.

Hill, aged 55, of Brentwood Grove, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent pictures and one of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Timothy Stead was told how Hill began contacting the 'girl' called Chelsea, via a social media site and then Skype, in August 2016.

Sarah Cook, prosecuting, said Hill claimed in the messages that he was aged 30 and was made aware that Chelsea was aged just 13 on several occasions.

In the next three months he sent her 14 photographs, 10 depicting adult porn and four pictures of his own private parts.

Then, on October 10, 2016, he asked her to commit a sex act on herself.

"The defendant asked Chelsea to delete messages and photographs so her mum wouldn't find them," said Miss Cook.

On November 15, 2016 police called at Hill's home and a search of his computer revealed he had seven of the most serious category A indecent images of children, 10 category B images and 29 in category C.

Martin Pizzey, defending, stressed that Hill is of previous good character and, since the police visit, he has sought to address his problems by seeking counselling.

"This is a defendant who is very ashamed and embarrassed and struggles to understand his behaviour," said Mr Pizzey.

Judge Stead sentenced Hill to a three year community order during which he will have to attend a sex offenders' group and participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activities.

He will also be placed on the sex offenders' register for five years and a sexual harm prevention order was also made, banning unauthorised contact with under 18s, for the same period.

"The signs are you are someone who is unlikely to further offend," Judge Stead told him.