Jailed for grooming ‘teen boy’

happen if he was returned to the community.”

He added that his client has now “learned his lesson”.

In February, Pearson, who has one previous conviction for criminal damage, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Jailing Pearson for eight months, of which he will serve half before being eligible to be released, Judge Robin Mairs said: “You were exposed, not just to the justice system but to your family as well.”

He must also sign the sex offender register for 10 years and was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

The court heard that the maximum sentence for such an offence is two years’ imprisonment.

Pearson appeared to give a slight smile as he was handed the sentence, while the eyes of a woman sitting in the public gallery with another woman and a man welled up with tears.

After the hearing, the man who confronted Pearson on behalf of Team Impact said that he was disappointed with the sentence.

He said: “I can only hope this deters Robert from committing any further offences when he is released.

“He was one of the most tactical groomers I have come across since starting my hunting.

“I feel eight months isn’t long enough.”