A man aged in his late forties has received a suspended sentence after being intercepted by internet-based hunters when he believed he was conversing with teenage girls.

The accused, who resides in Begbroke, had his sentencing hearing at Oxford Crown Court on April 17.

The 49-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to communicate sexually with a minor and one count of attempting to facilitate or encourage a child’s participation in sexual activity.

The offences transpired between July 15 and August 1 of the preceding year.

The court was told that the ‘girls’ Robertson had been corresponding with were actually part of a predator-catching group who subsequently travelled to his address to confront him.

Robertson apparently admitted to his actions forthwith.

Judge Maria Lamb said this involved an operation. Vigilantes arrived at his home and police became involved. He was arrested at the scene and promptly acknowledged what he had done.

She described the behaviour as thoroughly deplorable and noted it was a deliberate trap, though she observed there was a realistic prospect of his rehabilitation within the community.

Robertson was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years.

He must undertake 26 days of an accredited programme alongside 10 rehabilitation activity days.

He will additionally be subject to trail monitoring for six months and is required to pay £1,000 in costs.

Robertson was also given a sexual harm prevention order and will be subject to notification requirements for a period of 10 years.