AN Ellesmere Port man who tried to request nude images of an underage girl online has received a suspended prison sentence.

Connor Marsden, 28, had previously pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, October 25.

Prosecuting, Robert Earl said a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was sought for Marsden. The defendant had been charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child by requesting nude photos from her between September 13 and 24.

Deputy District Judge Mary Dowrick said the offence was "serious", but accepted it ultimately was not a child Marsden had been talking to online.

Defending, Stevie Bate said Marsden "spends a hell of a lot of time online" and feared going out, suffering with anxiety, depression and ADHD, and had suffered episodes of collapse.

He was aiming to move away from the Hope Farm Road, Great Sutton address he had been residing at, and had spent time in custody while on remand.

Marsden was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to complete the probation Choices programme with 15 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was handed a five-year SHPO limiting his internet usage and must sign the register for that time.

He must also pay a £154 victim surcharge.