Woking youth football chairman drove to Southampton to meet teenager

Pervert Lee Swain, 55, travelled to Antelope Park in Thornhill, Southampton, after making arrangements to meet a teenager.

But when he arrived the financial data analyst and youth football club chairman was instead confronted by police officers and arrested.

Southampton Magistrates' Court heard how he started talking to who he thought was a 13-year-old girl on social media but was a police officer.

During the conversation, the officer told Swain - a senior figure at Goldsworth Park Rangers FC - she was 13 but he still suggested they meet.

Prosecuting, Natalie Angel said that he suggested kissing and touching during the chat and said: “We probably need to be careful."

READ MORE: Southampton paedophile jailed after trip to the Philippines

Swain later left his home on October 25 and even collected food items en route to Southampton after suggesting he take the ‘girl’ back to his house.

This food was found in the car when he was arrested.

Swain was interviewed and accepted that he had previous conversations with girls aged 14 and 16 adding that he “realises what he has done is wrong”.

He also told police that he has a brain tumour - claiming this means he cannot have sex.

Appearing at court on Friday, Swain of Willowmead Close, Woking, admitted meeting or communicating with a girl under the age of 16.

READ MORE: Hampshire paedophile tree surgeon 'wrestled police' who seized phones

Ms Angel said that he should not be granted bail as the court “cannot trust him”.

“Should he be able to be bailed he would continue to contact young girls," she said.

“The crown has severe concerns about the history. The risk is just too high.”

The court heard how in previous attempts to meet with girls, he invited them to take part in lingerie photo shoots.

But Michael McGoldrick, for Swain, said it is his first offence and that he was a man of “good character”.

Southampton Magistrates' Court (Image: Newsquest)

He said his client separated from his wife two years ago and “doesn’t make any excuse".

Mr McGoldrick added: “He knows what he has done is wrong. Previously he had a gambling addiction and he finds when he is very low he does stuff he regrets.

“He is already blacklisted by the FA in the last 24 hours. He wouldn’t be able to do anything with regards to the football.”

Mr McGoldrick added that Swain “feels ashamed” and shows “clear genuine remorse”.

But magistrates said there is a risk he will re-offend.

Swain was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Southampton Crown Court for sentencing on November 17.