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A judge has jailed a man who was caught arranging to meet an underage girl at KFC in Bath to three years and four months.

David Taylor, aged 45, admitted attempting to meet a girl under the age of 16 following grooming after an incident in April.

He also admitted attempting to cause/incite a female child to engage in sexual activity at Swindon Crown Court on August 1.

Taylor, of Rodwell Park in Trowbridge, was due to be sentenced on August 25, but the hearing was adjourned until today (September 14).

He was jailed for 40 months for attempting to meet a girl under the age of 16 following grooming.

(Image: SWNS)

Taylor also received another 40-month sentence – to be severed concurrently – for attempting to cause/ incite a female child to engage in sexual activity.

He denied a third count of trying to meet a child after sexual grooming and that was left to lie on the file.

Taylor was also given a sexual harm prevention order lasting 10 years and was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170 and will have to take part in a sex offender treatment programme when he is released on licence.

Taylor’s actions were previously condemned by a leading children’s charity.

An NSPCC spokesman for South West England said: “Taylor groomed his young victim with the sole intention of earning her trust so he could meet her, and go on to sexually abuse and exploit her.

“He was fully aware of her age but continued with his despicable behaviour regardless.

“This kind of predatory activity can ruin childhoods, with the devastating effects lasting into adulthood.”

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free 24/7 on 0808 800 5000.

Meanwhile, children can call ChildLine on 0800 1111.