A paedophile who sent explicit images to a girl he thought was 12-years-old has been locked up.

Between November and December Michael McGee was messaging someone he thought was a young girl as well as trying to arrange meeting them.

The 36-year-old, of King Street, Ramsgate, admitted the offences, at Reading Crown Court on Thursday.

McGee also plead guilty to breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) by factory resetting one of his devices.

He was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Lisa Betchley, of SEROCU, said: “SEROCU takes sexual offending extremely seriously.

“McGee contacted and arranged to meet someone he believed to be underage. Thankfully no children were in danger, however McGee’s intentions were clear.

“Further, due to the risk that he was deemed to pose because of previous offending, he was made subject to a SHPO meaning that he had to abide by certain conditions. He breached one of those conditions. Such breaches are not taken lightly, and he has been sentenced accordingly.

“If you are a victim of a sexual offence or have information about offences having been committed, please report this to your local police force by calling the non-emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency.”