Chorley man who communicated with 'child' on internet was stung by undercover officer

Kenneth Heaps, of Church Lane, Charnock Richard, Chorley, admits communicating with a child under 16 for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification.

An offence of attempting to meet the 14-year-old will lie on file.

It is understood the 54-year-old was caught by an undercover police officer posing as the boy.

Judge Andrew Jefferies QC imposed a three year community order.

It will include a 35 day rehabilitation activity requirement to address his behaviour, and a five year sexual harm prevention order.

Almost 1,500 people from Lancashire contacted a helpline to tackle people viewing indecent images of children online in 12 months.