AN INTERNET pervert who made "disgusting and depraved" suggestions to a 13-year-old boy he was "sexting" had done incalculable damage to the victim and his family, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Joshua Hall, 26, was one of a long line of men who targeted the vulnerable teenager to indulge their "disgusting paedophilia," the judge told him today.

Hall pleaded guilty to two offences of inciting a child to engage in a sexual offence, dating back to May , 2011.

Judge Jonathan Rose said Hall, described as bored, isolated, depressed and unemployed at the time, had made a significant contribution to the grooming and abuse of the victim, who lives in the Bradford area.

Hall messaged the child saying: "You seem very cute but you are ten years younger than me."

He then made a series of "vile and repulsive" suggestions over a six day period.

In a victim impact statement, the boy's father spoke of the "drastic and negative" effect of all the men's criminal behaviour on his son.

He was preyed on by adults he thought were his friends, groomed and manipulated.

Miss Jane Cooper said in mitigation that Hall could not explain or understand his behaviour three years ago.

He did not disguise his identity on the internet or entice the boy into meeting him.

"He was unemployed, depressed, lonely and isolated and he found himself using the internet in an inappropriate way," Miss Cooper said.

Hall, of New Lane, Middleton, Leeds, who was 22 stone, had low self esteem and had attempted suicide.

He was very remorseful and aware of the pain he had caused his young victim and his family.

Judge Rose sentenced Hall to a three year community order with supervision and a high level activity requirement. He will be on electronically monitored curfew for six months.

Hall must sign on the sex offenders register for five years and the judge made a five year Sexual Offences Prevention Order to monitor his phone and internet use and safeguard his victim.

Judge Rose told him: "If you and I meet again, you are going to prison."