Christopher James Bernard Lambe, 47, of Lanntara in Ballymena, appeared at Antrim Magistrates' Court in Ballymena on March 10. He faces charges of attempted sexual communication with a child from February 26 to March 9.

Police received a report at 7.20pm on March 8 from Child Online Protection Enforcers NI. The group identified Lambe as the male involved and attended his address to confront him before contacting police.

A group member stated that Lambe initiated contact weeks earlier with a decoy posing as a 14-year-old female. Lambe sent sexual messages over several days after learning the decoy's stated age.

When the group arrived, Lambe was out. Upon his return, they confronted him and police attended. Officers seized items and arrested Lambe based on information received.

In interview, Lambe admitted using the 18-plus app Skout to meet the decoy. He acknowledged continuing to send sexual messages after she stated her age was 14. He also admitted requesting photos of her in uniform and wanting her to watch him masturbate.

Lambe denied messaging anyone else. Police expressed concern over potential other victims and need to analyse seized items.

Lambe has prior convictions: a driving offence in 2000 and a violence offence at Crown Court in 2016.

He received £500 bail to a non-home address with conditions barring internet-enabled phones and contact with under-18s without social services approval. The case adjourns to April 2.