A CHILD sex offender sent pictures of his penis to someone he thought was a teenage girl — but it was actually a self-styled 'paedophile hunter.'

Robert Walter Catlin, 37, admitted attempting to meet a child for sex and engaging in sexual communication with a child when he appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates today (Tuesday).

He also admitted possessing three extreme pornographic images depicting bestiality, which police found on his phone.

Ann Smout, prosecuting, said Catlin believed he was talking on Facebook with a 14-year-old girl called Fay. In fact, she said it was a member of a 'paedophile hunter' group.

"He made it absolutely clear he wished to have sexual intercourse with her. He sent pictures of his penis to her," said Mrs Smout.

"She kept saying she had never had this kind of experience before and was only 14."

The court heard Catlin arranged to meet 'Fay' in Portsmouth but did not turn up. He was reported to the police, who seized his phones and laptop.

Catlin told police he was not sexually attracted to children or young girls.

"He said he didn't meet her because he knew it was wrong," said Mrs Smout.

However, she said the records of their conversations made it absolutely clear he intended to meet the girl for sex.

Defending, Barry Arnett said Catlin was a vulnerable person who had cooperated fully with police.

Asking the probation service to prepare a pre-sentence report, Mr Arnett said: "These cases are often better dealt with by a community order to prevent harm."

The case was adjourned to the Isle of Wight Crown Court. Catlin, of Crossway, Bembridge, is due to be sentenced on December 21.