A man has joined the sex offenders register after attempting to engage in sexualised chats with children online.

Scott Thompson, 46, believed he was communicating with 12 and 13-year-old girls on Snapchat and Kik. He was in fact speaking to decoy accounts. 

Prosecutor Nicola Lamb explained that fake online profiles had been set up by undercover operatives using the names Ava and Sophie. 

Thompson, from Hingham, had initially engaged in harmless conversations but the chat had quickly turned sexual - despite his belief he was talking to a 12-year-old and a young teen. 

READ MORE: Norfolk sex offender was snared by paedophile hunters

Appearing before Norwich Magistrates’ Court he pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child between August and October 2023.

Scott Thompson used Snapchat and Kik to communicate with what he believed were young girlsScott Thompson used Snapchat and Kik to communicate with what he believed were young girls (Image: Getty Images)

His sentencing was committed to Norwich Crown Court on November 18 after the district judge ruled powers of magistrates were not sufficient. 

The court was told the starting point for the offences was 18 months.

He was placed on the sex offenders register which requires him to notify police of his address, bank accounts, access to children, and any foreign travel plans.