A paedophile pensioner was caught trying to chat with a schoolgirl online but denied being sexually attracted to children.

Robert Maidment, 80, was arrested for speaking to what he thought was a 12-year-old child.

Southampton Crown Court heard he had met the 'girl' online and told 'her' he was 56.

The girl in question was in fact an undercover police officer. But unaware of this, Maidment, who is married, went on to “dictate the conversation”, asking her about school holidays and if she wore a bra yet.

The pensioner also called her pretty and made sexual comments about what he would like to do to her if they were together.

But when police turned up at his house and arrested him, he denied being sexually attracted to children despite admitting he had been speaking to the 'girl'.

Judge Brian Forster KC described these as “serious offences” adding that it was “peculiar” how he had lied and said he was 56.

He said Maidment had tried to “form a picture” of who he was talking to by asking her if she had a secret phone and how often her mother checked her messages.

The pensioner pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Daily Echo: Robert Maidment outside Southampton Crown CourtRobert Maidment outside Southampton Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

Maidment covered his face as he left court on Tuesday after being spared jail.

Prosecuting, Annabel Hazlitt said Maidment displayed "an element of grooming behaviour", regularly asking the girl if she was aroused.

But mitigating, Jodie Mittell said her client, who has a heart condition and cancer, has “expressed his remorse and indicated his cooperation with anything that he can do to try and move forward".

“This was very much out of character as far as Mr Maidment is concerned," she said.

“He now presents a very limited danger or risk to the public.”

Maidment was supported by his wife in court who Ms Mittell said “will be affected if he is to be sent immediately to prison”.

The offences took place between July and October 2021.

Maidment was given a two-year prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

He must complete 25 rehabilitation days and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and notification requirements for ten years.