Christopher Rowe, aged 29, was actually sending the explicit messages, images and videos to an adult member of an online activist group.

Rowe, who was clearly told of his target’s apparent age, also tried to solicit sexually explicit images in return.

He was arrested at an address in Styrrup in April 2021 and a full file of evidence was passed to the police.

Rowe, of Pringle Road, Brinsworth, Rotherham, later admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child, attempting to incite a girl to engage in sexual activity, and attempting to cause a child to look at an image of sexual activity.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday he was jailed for three years and four months.

He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order that will limit his online activities once he is released from jail.

He was also added to the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable Keeley Bringhurst, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Rowe clearly believed he was in contact with a child when he sent a series of sexually explicit images and messages via social media.

“Worse still, he tried to persuade that child to send him images in return and engage in sexual activity.

“He very clearly poses a significant risk to the welfare of vulnerable young people and I am pleased he has now been jailed for these offences.

“I hope this case also serves as a warning to other people who think they can groom and exploit children in this way. There’s a high chance we will find out about it and they will end up in jail.”