A GROOMER who attempted to meet a child for sex and sent the child texts about “kissing” them and “holding hands” is due to be sentenced next week.

Atif Hussain, 35, of Killinghall Road, Laisterdyke, gave an indicated plea of guilty last month to attempting to meet a child under the age of 16 following grooming.

He also admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child in a hearing at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, January 19.

Hussain attempted to meet up with the teenage child in 2020 with the intention to engage in sexual activity.

He also admitted, for the purpose of sexual gratification, intentionally attempting to contact the child in a sexual manner.

He repeatedly sent text messages to the child about “holding hands” and “kissing” and attempted to arrange to meet the child in order to do so.

Hussain’s case was sent to Bradford Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday, February 9.

He was granted unconditional bail but ordered to register with police from January 19 in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2003, for a period of time which will be specified when he is sentenced.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk