Alex McElhatton, 24, of Coolnagard Rise in Omagh, was convicted at Omagh Magistrates Court of sexual communication with a child. The charge related to messages sent to a 13-year-old boy in April 2023 via Snapchat.

The boy's mother found the messages on her son's phone and contacted police. The exchanges included content of a sexual nature. Police arrested McElhatton after he returned from Spain.

In police interview, McElhatton accepted some messages were sexual but denied gaining sexual gratification from them. He told the court the messages were jokes and not meant to be taken seriously. He described having a special relationship with the boy and turning to him for talk after falling out with friends.

Deputy District Judge Sean O'Hare questioned McElhatton on communicating with a 13-year-old. McElhatton said he was not right in the head at the time and wanted to act as a role model.

Psychosexual psychologist Dr Martin Cartin reported conducting 16 to 18 sessions with McElhatton. Cartin said McElhatton denied sexual interest in children. Judge O'Hare found the case clear and ruled McElhatton gained sexual gratification from the messages.

The court adjourned the case for sentencing later this year. McElhatton must sign the sex offenders register within three days.