Exclusive by

Paul Hooper

A 37-year-old Margate man who sent a disgusting sex message to a teenager via Facebook has been spared jail.

Trevor Keppel also admitted stroking the girl’s leg causing his victim “fear, confusion and real anxiety” Canterbury Crown Court was told.

Keppel, of Trinity Square, has now been ordered to attend a sex offender’s programme to tackle his problems after admitting sex assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge James O’Mahony told him that he would now have to sign the Sex Offender’s Register.

He added: “You sent explicit messages through Facebook. You are now a sex offender and this will take a great deal to live down.”