A paedophile who arranged to meet 'a 13-year-old girl' at Eastleigh train station has been jailed.

Adrian Clarke, 64, had been messaging what he thought was a young girl despite her telling him about her age.

Between March and April he sent her sexually explicit messages and arranged to meet her at the station with the intention of taking her home.

But instead of meeting his victim, Clarke was greeted by officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) who arrested him at the scene.

Clarke, of Spring Lane, Bishopstoke, was jailed for two years and four months after appearing at Southampton Crown Court yesterday. 

He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for 10 years and a 10-year notification requirement.    

He had previously pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating a sexual act with a child under 13 at a hearing in November.

A SEROCU spokesperson said: “We do not tolerate those who look to exploit children for sexual purposes and work tirelessly to disrupt them.  

“This case demonstrates that we will take you to court. Clarke has now been sentenced as a consequence of his actions.” 

If you are a victim of a sexual offence or have information about offences having been committed call 101 or 999 in an emergency.