A drink and drug-fuelled father who messaged an underage girl, asking if she sent nudes to boys, has been handed a suspended jail sentence and placed on the sex offenders register.

Jordan Phillips, 31, pleaded guilty to messaging the young teen, including asking if she was sending nudes to boys, whether she was in the bath and if she wore short shorts while tidying up. Welshpool Magistrates' Court was told he had been drinking and taking drugs while on a stag do weekend on July 30, 2023.

He was caught after his messages were reported to the police by the girl’s mother. Other messages had been deleted because they were sent on the social media platform Snapchat. Phillips told police during questioning that the messages sent to the schoolgirl were not sexual or for his own sexual gratification.

Police searched his phone and found that he had told family and friends that he had "messed up" and "shouldn't have done something" including thoughts to end his life. Since being charged with engaging in sexual communications with a child, Phillips has had to live away from his children.

In mitigation, defence solicitor Robert Hanratty said the 31-year-old had been “exceptionally risqué” on a stag weekend and was "blind drunk" sending the messages. “It is deeply worrying, I accept that," he said. "Jordan never dreamt of doing that in a better place and not influenced by substances.

“It's had a profound impact on his mental wellbeing.” He added: “I suggest, and I would hope, his early guilty plea is his contrition. A community order is appropriate in this case. “Obviously, a conviction is in itself a lifelong stain for this young man.” Mr Hanratty added that the court will have seen "glowing" references and testimonies from people who know Phillips.

A victim impact statement read out in court by the prosecutor explained that the teen had "really struggled" since the incident. She said: “I now like to keep myself to myself. I’ve lost good friendships. “I now feel like a different person.”

Phillips, of Y Fawnog, Llanfyllin, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, because the magistrates felt the offence was "so serious that custody was the only suitable option" after hearing the "significant" psychological impact on the girl.

He is subject of a sexual harm prevention order for the next five years which the magistrates said was "necessary to protect the public". A seven-year restraining order was imposed.

Phillips must also visit a police station every 12 months for the next seven years to register as a sex offender. He must complete an accredited programme over 26 days to support his thinking and emotional management, and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days to help with his financial management, substance abuse and offending behaviour.

No compensation was awarded to the victim because the magistrates felt it was "not appropriate in this case". However, Phillips must pay the court £239 in costs and surcharges.