The former director of a County Tyrone community group caught in a sting by an online paedophile-hunter group sting has admitted attempting to communicate sexually with a child.

Nigel Andrew William Harpur (52) from Derg View, Castlederg but remanded in custody since his arrest committed the offence to obtain sexual gratification on dates between 1 January and 20 February 2024.

He resigned from his position within the community group the day after his detection.

At Dungannon Crown Court today (Tuesday) he pleaded guilty to the charge, which it was noted he accepted from the outset.

Judge Richard Green ordered pre-sentence reports however pointed out Harpur has in all likelihood served the equivalent time while on remand.

Ahead of sentencing however a prosecuting lawyer advised a number of issues have been raised which will need to be explored.

Meanwhile the defence said additional psychological assessments and reports will be sought.

The case will be mentioned again next week when a sentencing date is to be set.

When first charged, a detective explained police responded to a report from a group named Children & Survivor Online Protection Team, who had located a male they said had been exchanging sexual messages with a decoy presenting as a 14-year-old child.

Copies of messages were provided to police who found them to be of a sexual nature.

During interview Harpur was asked if he had attempted to engage in sexual communication with a child and replied, “Like talk to them? Yes.”

He was given an opportunity to disclose anything he wished police to know and said, “I’m putting my hands up. There’s no point in wasting your time. It’s on my phone anyway. There’s no point in me trying to blow smoke so I’m putting my hands up.”

Objecting to bail, the detective acknowledged full admissions were made but, “Police have concerns as he stated during interview that he enjoyed talking to children. He may be a risk to others.”

She set out the content of some of the messages to a proposed 14-year-old-child, which included him stating he was sexually aroused and asked if they knew what that meant.

The decoy replied, “No, not really.”

Harpur then said he was going for a cold shower as, “Man hormones getting the better of me.”

In another message he said, “If you were four years older I’d ask you out.”

He also said, “You’re 14, I’m 42, so you want to stop talking?”

The officer said, “It’s quite clear the defendant was aware he believed he was talking to a 14-year-old child, to whom he was sending these totally inappropriate messages. He has also stated in interview he has spoken with other children.”

Harpur’s laptop and phone were seized to establish if there were any other victims.

While bail was granted Harpur has so far been unable to be released as he is unable to obtain an address.

At one stage an address in Strabane was put forward however police objected as it was a short walk from a school and “not felt to be appropriate.”

No alternative would be sourced and Harpur opted not to seek further release ahead of the case concluding.