A PAEDOPHILE attempted to meet a ten-year-old girl for sex.

Keith Banks has admitted trying to arrange the obscene act in Rayleigh between September and November this year.

The 62-year-old appeared before Judge Andrew Hurst at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday to answer for his crimes.

He appeared in a T-shirt and jacket, speaking only to confirm his name, age and nationality.

He remained impassive throughout the hearing and did not express any emotion when admitting his crime.

He entered a guilty plea to one count to attempting to arrange and facilitate a child sex offence, namely trying to meet the girl for sexual intercourse in Rayleigh.

The offence took place at some point between September 24 and November 1 this year.

Banks was arrested after the offence and has been remanded in custody ever since.

The court was told that he has previous convictions for similar crimes in Australia.

It is understood that when he committed the offence in Rayleigh he may also have breached his existing sexual harm and prevention order.

Banks will be sentenced at the same court on the week beginning January 27 next year to allow time for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Addressing Banks, Judge Hurst said: “You have pleaded guilty to a serious matter as you well know.

“These matters mean I must carefully inquire to see if you are effectively a danger in the future to other children.

“I will need to review your previous convictions in Australia. It is important that you cooperate with probation services.”

Banks, of Wick Lane, London, was remanded in custody until his sentencing.