A repeat sex offender confronted by paedophile hunters has been warned he faces a long prison sentence. 

Christopher Groom, 25, believed he was chatting to a 15-year-old but it was in fact a decoy account and he was later confronted at his home by members of an online group who expose offenders.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told a female member of the group had set up an account on the WhatsApp messaging service using the alias ‘Olivia’ which purported to be a teenage girl.

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Josephine Jones, prosecuting, said Groom had begun messaging asking for pictures of her breasts and of her naked and in underwear. 

“He sent a number of messages wanting her to send images sharing various parts of her body and also offering to send pictures of himself,” she added.

Groom, of Garden Court, King’s Lynn, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child on September 28 during which he attempted to incite sexual activity.

He also admitted breaching a sexual harm prevention order imposed for previous offences including making indecent images of children. 

Christopher Groom pleaded guilty to sexual offences involving attempted contact with a childChristopher Groom pleaded guilty to sexual offences involving attempted contact with a child (Image: Facebook)

"He has only recently completed a community sentence - clearly that has not worked as he is already reoffending,” said Ms Jones. 

Magistrates, whose maximum sentencing powers are 12 months, committed him to Norwich Crown Court telling him “you need greater punishment than we can give you”.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on November 4.

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Defence solicitor Andrew Cogan, mitigating, said: “This was grooming behaviour and he understands his previous offences mean that a lengthy prison sentence may well be on the cards.”

Video footage of Groom being confronted by the paedophile hunters had been widely shared, the court was told.  

“A direct consequence of this group filming the encounter is that it has been plastered across social media to such an extent that the impact on his parents is to fear for their safety. As a consequence he is no longer welcome at their home,” said Mr Cogan.