A FORTY-nine year-old who sent an indecent video to an internet friend he thought was a 14-year-old girl has been spared prison.

Jamie Barnes had been chatting with the 'youngster' online and had been asking her for naked pictures, Minshull Street Crown Court was told.

But Barnes was actually conversing with a police officer from the Arizona sheriff's department. The US force alerted police in Manchester and Barnes was arrested.

Nicola Carroll, prosecuting, said when the defendant's mobile phone was seized it contained an indecent video.

Barnes, of Foster Court, Bury, admitted to attempting to sexually communicate with a child, attempting to engage a child in sexual activity and making an indecent image.

He was given a 12-month prison term, suspended for 18 months and 40 rehabilitation activity days. A 10-year sexual harm prevention order was also imposed.

Judge Mark Savill said Barnes had been "very open" with the probation service about his problems and could be helped in the community.

Stuart Duke, defending, said his client, who had previously suffered mental health problems, had no previous convictions.