A MAN who encouraged an 11-year-old girl to send him indecent pictures of herself has been told to register as a sex offender.

And when Clive Grace asked a judge if 'sentencing' meant him going to prison he was told 'You should prepare yourself for that', as the case was adjourned.

The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He encouraged the 11-year-old girl to send him indecent images between Friday, October 24, and Tuesday, October 28, last year.

And Grace, of Godolphin Close, Freshbrook, also pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent photographs of a child.

Tony Bignall, defending, asked for the case to be adjourned so the probation service can compile a presentence report on his client.

"He is a 19-year-old man, he has learning difficulties and some physical difficulties as well," he told Swindon Crown Court.

Judge Tim Mousley QC asked what the defendant had said when he was questioned by the police.

Hannah Squire, prosecuting, said: "It was a mixed interview: there was some comment. He didn't admit to the offences in interview.

"He said he thought the victim in the offence was 13. He said there were friends on Facebook but he had never exchanged any indecent images on his phone."

Agreeing to a pre-sentence report the judge said "All sentencing options are open: I would have thought an immediate custodial sentence will be inevitable."

Adjourning the case and releasing him on conditional bail, he said "Clive Grace, stand up, you have pleaded guilty to these serious offences.

"As you have heard me say the likelihood is there will be an immediate custodial sentence.

"A pre-sentence report is essential to help the judge who sentences you. You will come back to the court on June 19.

"Any of the conditions on your bail, if you breach, you will find yourself in custody. If you fail to attend you are likely to be sentenced in your absence."

Speaking from the dock Grace then asked: "What does it mean if I am sentenced: does it mean I will be going to prison?" to which the judge replied "Well you should prepare yourself for that."

Grace will now have to register as a sex offender, telling the police where he is living, with the total time he will have to continue registering decided by the sentence imposed.