A STANTHORPE man became visibly upset when remanded in police custody yesterday, after he pleaded guilty to sending sexualised texts to an underage girl.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty in the Warwick Magistrates Court to a total of 20 serious criminal charges, relating to messages sent during a two-month period.

He cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim.

The man, who was 22 at the time of the offences, used Facebook and text messages to groom and engage in sexual activity with the girl, to procure her for sex and to send indecent material to the teenager.

A large bundle of material was presented to the court this week, consisting of hard copies of text messages and Facebook messages sent to the girl.

The offences occurred between the end of December 2011 and February 2012.

The court heard the man attempted to pervert justice on February 22, by coaching his victim to destroy evidence of his crimes and delete the offensive messages.

His matter has been transferred to the Warwick District Court for sentencing at a later date.

No application for bail was made on behalf of the man and he will remain behind bars until he is sentenced.

Using the internet or a mobile phone to procure a child for sex carries a maximum penalty of 10 years jail under Queensland.

Sexting Trend

• Sexting is a trend that has soared in popularity over past years
• It involves sending sexual messages and photos via the internet or mobile phones
• Any person aged 18 or over who engages in such activity with a minor is committing an offence
• Using the internet or a phone to procure a child for sex carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail