A RHYL man sent a photo of his manhood over the internet to who he thought was a girl aged 13.

He asked for "a dirty photograph" of her, engaged in highly sexualised conversations and told her in graphic detail what he wanted to do to her.

But it turned out that he was communicating with an under-cover, on-line police officer, Mold Crown Court was told.

Joshua Paul Vacher was jailed for 22 weeks today after he earlier admitted that between January 22 and February 5 last year, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he attempted to communicate with a child.

Vacher, 26, of Brighton Road, also admitted that he attempted to get a child to look at images of a person engaging in a sexual act, and attempting to incite a child to record indecent images of herself.

The defendant, who must register with the police as a sex offender, was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said that he took into account the defendant's learning difficulties.

But he believed he was speaking to a 13-year-old child and engaged in "quite worrying" sexual messaging with her.

Despite knowing her apparent age he was quite prepared to engage in sexualised and wholly inappropriate behaviour.

He had made it clear that her age did not bother him but warned her not to tell anyone.

The defendant had also suggested that they should meet up.

When arrested he came up with a fanciful account of having lost his phone during the period of offending only to find it again in the street later.

But forensic examination of the phone showed that he was responsible for the messaging.

Prosecuting barrister Matthew Curtis said that Vacher contacted who he thought was a schoolgirl aged 13 via Kik Messaging bit he was communicating with an under-cover, on-line officer.

When asked for a photograph he was sent one of a girl in school uniform and he told her she was cute.

He said he had something to show her and sent her a photograph of his erect manhood, and asked her for dirty pictures of herself.

Vacher also sent messages discussing meeting up in Rhyl or Wrexham.

Told she had no sexual experience, he said "I could be your first if you want."

He expressed his love for her and sent lots of kisses.

Inquiries identified the defendant, the information was passed on to North Wales Police and a search warrant was executed.

He had used a false name on the Kik profile but his correct photograph.

Initially he denied any knowledge of the profile and said the messages had been sent at a time when he had lost his mobile phone.

Defending barrister Matthew Dunford said that his client was a young man of previous good character who was vulnerable and who had been statemented at school.

He had shown developmental delays and could not communicate verbally until the age of five.

The defendant had learning difficulties who was the carer for his partner who had her own health issues.

But he also struggled with his own care needs and he would be vulnerable in custody where he could be susceptible to abuse.

He suggested a suspended sentence under which he could receive therapy in the community to reduce his risk of re-offending.