A PERVERT used an indecent image to pose as a young boy in a sexual chat room discussion.

Daniel Robinson used a mobile application called KIK where he stuck a conversation with another person who had the username Footlong.

During the chat, Robinson played the part of a child and was asked to send a photograph of himself.

He duly sent over the indecent picture on more than one occasion.

Police became aware that inappropriate material had been uploaded to the internet and checks with the service provider linked the account to Robinson.

They went to his home address in De Vere Road, Earls Colne, and seized equipment including a mobile phone which had the same image stored upon it but cropped seven different ways.

In interview he made admissions relating to what he had done but said he didn’t realise it was illegal.

During a hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, the 34-year-old admitted possessing a Category C indecent image and distributing the image.

The incident took place in August last year.

Lauren Bond, mitigating for Robinson, said: “It is a fairly unusual case in that he has taken on the role of the child.

“It is unclear whether the other person thinks he is speaking to a child or is part of a roleplay - he probably believes it is a child.

“He does have severe vulnerabilities including dyspraxia.”

Magistrates agreed they could keep jurisdiction of the case but adjourned for a full pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Robinson will be sentenced at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on September 19.

An interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order was put in place meaning Robinson’s use of the internet was limited.

He must not delete history on internet-enabled devices and must show them to police officers immediately if he is asked.

Robinson was also made the subject of notification requirements.

He was granted bail until the next hearing.