A PAEDOPHILE sent explicit messages and a video of himself carrying out a sex act to a “vulnerable” girl he met during an online game.

Michael Fuller, 37, also encouraged the child to send him explicit images of herself after telling her he was only 16-years-old.

The Basildon resident was jailed for five years at Southend Crown Court yesterday, after the court was told his behaviour may be considered as grooming.

Prosecuting, Emma Nash, said: “They met online and both lied about their ages and he told her he was 16. He did go on to tell her his real age.

“She was vulnerable and within minutes of the speaking on an online game the conversation turned sexual. He gave her explicit instructions about how to carry out a sex act.

“He told her how much he loved her and said they would get married. You may think it was grooming behaviour. It was explicit sexual chat which was peppered with overwhelming compliments. She sent him naked images and he sent her a video of himself carrying out a sex act.”

Mitigating, Nicholas Jones, told the court Fuller, of Pamplines, Basildon became depressed and isolated.

He said: “Before these offences his long term partner died which was a big shock and he suffered depression but also suffered a heart condition. He become isolated and suffered a profound sense of loneliness. He was communicating with the outside world via the internet.”

Sentencing, Judge Ian Graham, said: “You admitted serious sexual offences and met the child online.

You told her you were 16 clearly to entice her into sexual conversations.

“You were less than forthcoming in the police interview and the victim was vulnerable. It’s fortunate there was no physical contact between the pair of you.”

He told Fuller he accepted his remorse and said he had tried to turn his life around.

Fuller admitted two counts of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act and engaging in sexual communication.