A Dereham man, who attempted to meet a 'child' following sexual grooming, has been told by a judge that a prison term is a possibility when he is sentenced next month.

Nicholas Conroy, 42, had been texting a person he believed was a girl named Lexi May, who he was told was only 14 years old.

However, after travelling from his home in Dereham to see her in Aldershot, Hampshire, he was shocked to discover he was actually meeting an adult.

Conroy, of King's Road, Dereham, was due to stand trial at Portsmouth Crown Court today.

But before the case could get underway he admitted one count of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming.

The court heard Conroy had been texting 'Lexi May' between January 30 and February 14 last year.

Prosecutor Jane Terry said: 'Sexual activity was clearly the object of his meeting, given the nature of the conversation they'd been having.'

Defending, Brian Stork told the judge his client had no previous convictions of a sexual nature.

Judge Stephen Climie bailed Conroy until November 13, when he is due to be sentenced at Guildford Crown Court, Surrey.

He said: 'You need to appreciate that the offence you have pleaded guilty to has guidelines judges are required to follow.

'These guidelines do indicate a term of imprisonment for this offence.

'The fact I am bailing you is not guidance as to whether or not you will be imprisoned at your next hearing.

'You will also be subject to the sexual offences register as of today.'