A SERIAL offender caught out in a paedophile hunter sting has been jailed.

Jonathan Jupp, from Latchford, was originally spared prison last year after sending sexually explicit messages to what he believed was a 13-year-old girl.

But the 25-year-old has now been put behind bars after flouting the terms of his release.

Jupp, of no fixed address, set up a Facebook profile under the fake name of Jonah Lee and exchanged a string of lewd messages with a decoy account set up by self-styled ‘paedophile hunters’ group Justice for Children.

He was described as being 'ashamed and embarrassed' of his actions when he was sentenced to a five-year notification requirement at Liverpool Crown Court in July 2018.

But the defendant – who has convictions for dozens of offences – was hauled back before the courts last week and admitted breaching this notification requirement when he failed to sign on at Warrington Police Station on Friday, October 4.

Appearing at Warrington Magistrates Court on Friday, October 11, Jupp was given three weeks in jail and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £122.

The paedophile was arrested by police at his then home on Brook Avenue in Westy after his picture and screenshots of the lewd online conversation were posted on Justice for Children’s Facebook page.

He broke down in tears under interview and admitted sending the messages.

Jupp was also handed a two-year community order, an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 60 days when he originally admitted attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child.

Sentencing him last year, judge Norman Wright said: "Anybody would be horrified at the notion of a 24-year-old contacting a 13-year-old in this way.

"It's plain to see the abhorrence with which society regards adults who prey upon children.

"You need help in adjusting your attitudes."

And the NSPCC has also condemned Jupp's actions and called for new legislation to protect children online.

A charity spokesman said: “Jupp’s determination to target and abuse vulnerable young children is despicable.

“Thankfully, no children were at risk from Jupp’s actions on this occasion - but this is yet another example of the dangers young people are exposed to through social media and the internet.

"The NSPCC is calling for new legislation to hold technology companies responsible for our children’s online safety.”

Children can report abuse by calling Childline on 0800 1111, while adults with concerns can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000.