A Wiltshire man has been sentenced after sending sexual messages to someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl.

Westbury based Kevin Ian Salmons, of no fixed abode, admitted sexual communication with a child and was sentenced to a 24-month community order at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on October 21.

The 55-year-old contacted a decoy account on social media, which he believed belonged to a teenage girl, and quickly began speaking in detail about his sexual activity.

During this police operation, there was never a real life victim and no children were ever in any danger.

Part of the order imposed on Salmons requires him to complete 43 sexual harm prevention sessions and 35 rehabilitation days.

He must also pay a total of £154.

Salmons will be subjected to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.

This will place restrictions on his use of electronic devices, contact with children, and travel.

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Complex Crime Investigator Power explained that Salmons was repeatedly reminded of the age of the child he thought he was communicating with.

Instead of stopping the conversation, the 55-year-old reportedly made an effort to learn the child’s location.

Police emphasised that any reports of child abuse or exploitation will be thoroughly investigated.

CCI Power said: “Salmons pursued an inappropriate course of conduct with someone he believed was a 13-year-old child.

“He was reminded of the decoy's age multiple times during their conversations and he continued, making efforts to learn the child's location with the prospect of a future visit.

“We would urge anyone who has concerns that a child they know may be being abused or exploited, to report this to the police.”

More information on issues of child abuse can be found on the Wiltshire Police website while the NSPCC website has clear and extensive advice for parents, carers, children, young people, and professionals.

Those who are worried something has happened to their child online can report it to Child Exploitation and Online Protection.

Anyone concerned about their own use of the internet or anyone having inappropriate thoughts or behaviour about children should contact the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.