A CONTROVERSIAL paedophile hunter has appeared in court charged with posting a false message online which caused annoyance or anxiety.

Stephen Dure, 34, pleaded not guilty during his hearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court today.

It is alleged he posted a message on his Facebook page TRAP, which he knew was not true and contained false information.

The page is viewed by thousands of people and claims to expose people who have attempted to meet up with children.

Dure, of Fraser Close, Southampton, will next appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court on May 9.