A PAEDOPHILE travelled from Portsmouth to Southampton to meet an 11-year-old girl for sex.
Gordon Welch travelled to Shirley to meet with his 11-year-old victim.
A court heard how the 67-year-old arrived with condoms, viagra and a flavoured lubricant on May 12, this year.
READ MORE: Seven Hampshire paedophiles who have faced the courts
But instead, he was met by officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit and Hampshire police.
The same day, he was charged with arranging to commit a sexual act upon a child.
The defendant, of Sheffield Road, Portsmouth, pleaded guilty at Southampton Crown Court on Monday (October 31) and was remanded in custody.
He will now appear at the same court on November 28 to be sentenced.
Detective Constable Colin Haynes, of SEROCU, said: “Thankfully no children were ever in danger during this investigation.
"Despite this, Welch clearly intended to meet and carry out these acts on a child until he was stopped by officers as part of a proactive SEROCU investigation, with assistance from Hampshire police.
"I am glad he has now recognised his guilt. SEROCU endeavours to safeguard children who may be vulnerable or at risk.
"We work to ensure those in society who pose a real risk to the community, in particular young children, are brought before a court to account for their actions.”
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article