A man has received a suspended prison sentence after admitting to trying to have sexual communication with a minor.

Sam Castle, aged 30 and residing on Kings Road in Banbury, entered a guilty plea to the charge, which occurred between April 16 and May 8, 2024 within Banbury.

The court imposed a 10-month prison term, suspended for a period of two years.

Castle was additionally directed to undertake 26 days of rehabilitation activities and perform 150 hours of community service within 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs along with a £187 victim surcharge.

Sam Castle received his sentence at Oxford Crown Court. (Image: Contributed)

Furthermore, he was placed under notification requirements lasting 10 years and subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.

The court was informed that Castle attempted to initiate sexual communication with a child for the purpose of sexual gratification.

His communications contained explicit questions and requests for photographs.

The court was told Castle did not genuinely believe the recipient was older than 16.