South London paedophile Alex Parsons, 37, pleaded guilty to four child sex offences at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday (May 10). Parsons, from Parish Gate Drive, Sidcup, admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause a child to watch sexual activity, and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

The offences occurred between February 20 and 22 this year, when Parsons communicated with an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl named Chloe. He sent "messages of a sexual nature," a photo of his genitals, and a sexual video, and asked the officer to perform a sex act on him.

Parsons' actions took on an ironic twist, as he was seen leaving the courthouse holding a copy of George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984." The book features the Thought Police, a secret police force that punishes thoughtcrimes – a concept Parsons seemed to be unknowingly illustrating with his own actions.

Defence counsel Mark Stevens stated that Parsons, previously of good character, had already signed notification requirements for sex offenders. The court granted Parsons conditional bail ahead of his sentencing on July 12.