Tommaso Rasetti, 42, of Harwood Close, Totton, was jailed for attempting to communicate with a child under 16 for sexual gratification and other child sex offences.

Rasetti sent sexual messages to a teenage girl using the online application Kik. He even told her about a group he set up called Southampton Cross Dressing. However, the "teenager" was actually a police officer.

Prosecutor Richard Cherrill said Rasetti initially denied chatting with a child when arrested. But police found 51 indecent images on his electronic devices.

At Southampton Crown Court, Rasetti pleaded guilty to the charges, which occurred in the summer of 2019. The court heard that Rasetti has since withdrawn from the Nursing and Midwifery Council and found a new job.

Defending lawyer Ellie Fargin argued the offences were relatively short-lived and occurred during a turbulent period in Rasetti's life. She urged the judge to suspend any custodial sentence, emphasizing Rasetti's potential for rehabilitation.

Judge Peter Henry sentenced Rasetti to six months in prison, suspended for two years. Rasetti must complete 31 sessions on an accredited sex offender programme, ten rehabilitation activity days, and 150 hours of unpaid work. He will also be registered as a sex offender for seven years and subject to a sexual harm prevention order.