Paedophile said nice age to PC posing as girl, 12

Rhys Skinner will serve a two-year community order

A paedophile replied "nice age" when a police officer posing online as a child claimed to be 12 years old.

Rhys Skinner, 62, from Brackla in Bridgend county, admitted causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and was given a two-year community order.

Cardiff Magistrates Court heard that Skinner, who works as a gardener, spoke to a child who introduced herself as Carys in an internet chatroom on two days in January 2024.

He had two sexually graphic conversations with the undercover officer and asked her a series of intimate questions.

Skinner was arrested at a home he shares with his partner on 5 March, when he denied having a sexual interest in children and said he "couldn't remember Carys."

He told officers at the time of the offence he was drinking a bottle of whisky a day.

His community order includes a 12-month alcohol treatment programme and he will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.