A SEX offender who attempted to meet up with a girl has been spared jail.

Leigh Bond contacted the 13-year-old on social media and tried to meet up with her despite knowing her age, a court heard.

The 34-year-old was sentenced at Preston Crown Court yesterday after he admitted the offence at a previous hearing.

The Barrow man was reported to police by the victim's mother after he sent multiple messages to the girl between September 4 and November 1.

He used Facebook Messenger to contact the girl, with messages developing from general chat to arranging to meet.

It was said Bond persisted with trying to meet up with the girl despite knowing that she was 13.

Police attended the home address of Bond to arrest him.

Officers asked Bond if he had any phones in the property - to which he replied no.

An officer then saw an iPhone on the sofa in the lounge, which he seized.

Bond, of Redshaw Avenue, was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years.

He was also told to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work amid a number of other requirements.

Bond was also made subject of an indefinite restraining order against the victim.

On top of that he was made subject of a five-year sexual harm prevention order.

He was also told to complete 50 days of rehabilitation requirement and attend a sexual offenders treatment programme.

Prior to the sentencing hearing he admitted breaching his bail conditions.

It led South Cumbria Magistrates' Court to revoke his bail and remand him in custody in the lead up to him being sentenced in Preston.