A man who wanted to have sex with a young girl was snared by a 44-year-old film-maker who had created a fake social media profile, a court has heard.

David Newton, 45, made sexualised comments to who he thought was a 14-year-old girl 'very early' on in exchanges after they met on Facebook at the end of September last year.

As the exchanges progressed Newton talked about having sex with the girl.

But Norwich Crown Court heard that Newton, of Cromwell Road, Great Yarmouth, had in fact been contacting a 44-year-old film-maker who had set up a fake Facebook profile as a 14-year-old girl who was in foster care.

Richard Potts, prosecuting, said he became aware of the defendant after he had come across images on Facebook that led him to a website involving those that had an interest in visually attractive females.

Mr Potts said during Facebook conversations Newton had been told on at least three occasions the person he thought he was talking to was 14.

When the defendant was told the 'girl' was going to have to return to Plymouth he reacted with 'dismay' and said he wanted to take her away for a weekend.

Mr Potts said he went to the lengths of booking a room at a hotel in Cornwall.

After becoming aware that Newton had booked a hotel room, evidence of which was later found on his phone, the man pretending to be the girl contacted police.

Newton, who has 15 previous convictions for 36 offences, although none of a sexual nature, appeared for sentencing on Thursday (June 29) after previously admitting attempting to incite sexual activity with a child.

Judge Anthony Bate jailed Newton for two years.

Newton was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order (SOPO) for five years and put on the sex offenders register.

Andrew Oliver, mitigating for Newton, said he pleaded guilty to the offence which was attempted but never actually happened.

He said Newton has been diagnosed with a psychotic illness which results in him losing his inhibitions and control.

Mr Oliver said Newton was 'disgusted' with himself and the language he used.