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A father has hit out at online paedophile hunters for being a “pain in the bottom” after his son pleaded guilty to a sex offence.

Robert Beedle, son of Great Dunmow town councillor David Beedle, was snared after chatting to who he thought was a 13-year-old girl.

However, he was actually messaging a "decoy" manned by members of the online paedophile hunter group Defending the Innocent.

(Image: Defending the Innocent)

This morning (Wednesday, December 19), Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard how the 39-year-old sex offender had been messaging the decoy for over a year in a forum and then exchanged WhatsApp messages with her.

They discussed having sexual activity and they also talked about booking a hotel room so they could spend time together.

Beedle, of the Broadway, Dunmow, pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

During the short hearing, it was revealed how Beedle's confrontation with the paedophile hunting group was posted online on April 26.

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When asked to indicate a plea, the 39-year-old admitted the allegation put to him.

Having been told he will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on January 16, Beedle left the building in the company of his father.

Following the hearing, Cllr Beedle criticised online paedophile hunting groups.

(Image: Defending the Innocent)

"The only thing to comment on is the fact that these so-called paedophile hunters are a pain in the bottom,” he said.

“Of course it’s an issue [posting the video online] because everybody is not aware of the facts.

“Some of the things we will probably never know about.”

He added that his son had also held his hands up and he hoped people would be kind in their reactions.