A serial sex offender has been jailed for five and a half years after attempting to engage in sexual communication with a decoy online who he believed to be a 12-year-old girl.

Patrick Wallis, now 30, had previously been convicted of sexual offences six years ago but fell victim to an online sting operation set up by a vigilante group known as Predator Exposure. The group created a decoy profile and lured Wallis into sending inappropriate messages and images.

Wallis admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and inciting a girl aged 12 into sexual activity. He also pleaded guilty to breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which was imposed following his previous conviction. The court heard that Wallis had learning difficulties and mental health problems but the judge stated that he had not learned from his past mistakes.

Humberside Police arrested Wallis after receiving details of his online conversations with the decoy. The group streamed their attendance at Wallis' address live on Facebook during which he was confronted with the allegations.

Judge Gurdial Singh imposed a five-and-a-half year prison sentence and extended the Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely.