A SOUTHAMPTON paedophile hunter with hundreds of thousands of online followers has admitted falsely accusing an Eastleigh man of grooming teenagers online.

Stephen Dure, who runs the TRAP Facebook group, pleaded guilty halfway through a trial at Southampton Magistrates Court on Friday morning.

The court heard that Dure, 34, of Fraser Close, Southampton, accused Paul Farhad, of Eastleigh, a paedophile and a “violent psychopath” through an online post last year.

TRAP sets up “stings” and claims to expose those who have attempted to meet up with children. Its videos have been seen millions of times.

Dure had originally pleaded not guilty but during the trial new evidence came to light.

After a private discussion, Dure then changed his plea and admitted the charge of sending a false message by electronic communication network to cause annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety.

Speaking to the Daily Echo after the trial, Dure said: “I was being protective – we’re a very close family. 

“I suppose it is a taste of my own medicine. 

“I’m used to getting people to court, not being sat behind the glass.

“My name now will be muddied. I’ve had convictions before but only small things. 

“This is why I have built a team so that TRAP can continue, nothing will stop.

“I said I was guilty in there because I don’t have the evidence to prove my innocence.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Mr Farhad speculated that he may have provoked a reaction by posting something offensive about Dure’s sister regarding her relationship at the time.

He said: “Why did he have to call me the most offensive thing you can be called? 

“It’s the most disgusting crime and he’s labelled me. 

“One hundred and eleven thousand people saw that.”

Mr Farhad said he wanted to put the incident behind him, but was still considering legal action for personal loss of earnings.

Dure will be sentenced on Monday and is currently banned from social media.