A “dangerous paedophile” who tried to groom a 13-year-old girl for sex has been jailed for three years.

“Depraved” repeat offender, Robert Morrison, 57, of Limes Avenue, was caught after an informer told police he had been talking to children online who later turned out to be decoys.

Morrison pleaded guilty to grooming offences at Wood Green Crown Court on March 14.

He was sentenced to three years in prison at the same court on Friday (April 12).

The judge also imposed a five-year extended licence for “dangerousness”.

Morrison will go on the sex offenders register for life.

Met Police were called to reports of a man speaking with “decoy” child profiles on Kik by an informant at around 2.30pm on February 13.

The informant met with officers and identified Morrison who thought he was talking to a 13-year-old girl.

Police found Morrison had encouraged the child to engage in sexual behaviour and suggested they meet at a hotel.

At his home, police found a hidden phone, Wifi dongles, SIM cards and cameras in his garden.

Over 400 pages of chat between Morrison and his victims were unearthed.

The messages made clear the decoys were underage, as well as Morrison’s suggestion of a lasting relationship and future meetings of a sexual nature.

He was arrested that day and taken to a north London police station.

Police found Morrison had also breached an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) issued in February 2018 after appearing at Wood Green Crown Court for three counts of making an indecent photograph of a child.

He was sentenced to 21 months' in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Morrison was also convicted of attempting to meet a child for sex in the United States in October 2004. He was jailed for five years and deported after completing his sentence.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley from North Area CID said: "Morrison is a dangerous paedophile who is a clear risk to children which is demonstrated by his history of offending both here and in the United States.

"Despite restrictions being imposed through the Sexual Harm Prevention Order, he blatantly disregarded these to pursue his depraved acts. I truly hope today's sentence sends out a clear message that predatory behaviour towards children will not be tolerated."

Anyone with information about individuals involved in offences of this nature can call the Child Sexual Exploitation team via 101. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For more information on how the stay safe online, visit https://safe.met.police.uk/internet_safety/get_the_facts.html