A 27-year-old man accused of sending lewd messages to four individuals he thought were girls has been spared jail by a judge.

Lloyd Gilliatt, of Hewitt Close, Penrhyn Bay, admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and trying to incite sexual activity.

Caernarfon crown court heard he had been in touch with an undercover police officer posing as a girl of 14 on Kik.

Prosecutor Simon Rogers said the Crown couldn’t prove he had also contacted real teenagers “while that may be the suspicion.”

There were no previous convictions.

Judge Huw Rees told Gilliatt: "You should understand you did have a sexual interest in children, to your shame. You can shake your head as much as you want.”

He’d shown “persistent” behaviour.

A twelve months suspended jail term was imposed with rehabilitation and 100 hours unpaid work.

A ten-year sexual harm prevention order was made.