Man admits 'cybersex' with girl

Ross held ''cybersex'' sessions with the girl over the web

A man faces up to five years in jail after admitting having "cybersex" with a 13-year-old girl.

Neil Ross was put on the sex offenders' register after Alloa Sheriff Court heard they conducted a five-month relationship over the web.

The 31-year-old told the girl he was 19 and she posed naked for him on a live webcam while he watched.

Ross was arrested after the girl's parents intercepted text messages between him and the child.

They contacted Central Scotland Police, who examined the girl's computer.

Ross, of Armadillo Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow, admitted using lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour towards the Clackmannanshire girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Background reports

His pleas of not guilty to two further charges - of possessing or making indecent images of the girl - were accepted by the Crown.

Ross's solicitor George Higgins told the court that his client was a first offender.

Sheriff David Mackie deferred sentence until 21 December for social background reports and an assessment of Ross's suitability to perform community service as a possible alternative to jail.

A lawyer commented: "Until now, it always was assumed that an alleged abuser had to be in the same place as his victim to commit the offence of lewd and libidinous practice.

"The internet appears to have changed all that."