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A sex doll measuring just over three foot in height was brought in front of a jury as a man stands trial accused of importing a child sex doll.

Daniel Adams, 32, of Perry Lane, Langham, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday (January 22), charged with one count of importing an obscene or indecent article.

He has denied the charge, although admits to purchasing the doll and opted for a trial by jury, stating that he was not aware of the doll's child-like qualities.

Prosecuting, Christopher Martin QC, said: “The sex doll was said, in its online advertisement, to be '100 per cent like a young girl’s body.'

“It is measured to be 99cm in length, or height.

“In the actual advert it is described as being three foot three inches tall, which you may or may not already know is the height of a young girl between four and six-years-old.”

The naked doll was then stood up next to the jury.

Adult sex dolls are not illegal in the UK, however, child sex dolls are.

The court heard how on March 10, 2016 at around 10.50pm, Adams conducted internet searches looking for a sex doll.

“Whilst he was searching, he opened pages which described sex dolls of 158cm in height,” said Mr Martin.

“This equates to about five foot two inches.”

Adams purchased the doll on July 29, 2016 and bought the item for £500 from the seller who is based in Hong Kong, China.

On August 11, 2016 the parcel containing the sex doll was intercepted by a UK Border Force officer at East Midlands Airport.

Other items including brown, blonde and pink wigs, a dress and a cleaning kit were also found inside the parcel, the court was told.

This information was then passed onto Essex Police, who arrested Adams on October 28, 2016.

In an interview he admitted to buying the doll but was certain the seller had not listed the size.

Before purchasing the item, Adams allegedly had a conversation with the vender.

Conversation with the seller Seller: Thank you for your interest in the item. It uses genuine silicone technology to mimic a young girl. Daniel Adams: Ok, thanks for explaining everything. Can you do a deal for £500? The seller then offered to vary the hair, skin and eye colour. Daniel Adams: Can I get the red hair, brown hair and can you throw in the brown one too? (He also asked for pink nails) August 15 Daniel Adams: The item is being held in customs for some reason. This item is definitely legal yes? Six hours later Daniel Adams: Hello, please can you issue me with a refund as it’s still in customs and I don’t want to bring anything into this country that is not legal. August 16 Daniel Adams: You need to call DHL and ask them to send it back as I don’t want this anymore. I thought it was taller. I will cover the cost of delivery for the hassle.

DC Knight, leading officer in the case, gave evidence of the police interview in which Adams denied purchasing the item with the knowledge it was a child sex doll.

PC Valentine conducted an open search investigation, using Adams' eBay log in to look at his purchase history. The defendant's laptop, iPhone and iPad were also forensically examined.

There were no traces of viewing other child sex dolls or any associated searches such as indecent images of children.

The case is adjourned.