Heckmondwike man snared by paedophile hunters is branded 'dangerous sexual predator' by Leeds judge

James Phillips received an extended 14 year jail term when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court.

A man ensnared by so-called paedophile hunters was given an extended jail term of 14 years as a judge branded him a 'dangerous sexual predator'.

Also in news: Tributes to 'inseparable' Dewsbury pair killed in M62 car smashJames Phillips was already on licence for sexual offences involving an underage girl and subject to a sexual offences prevention order when he set up a fake profile on Facebook.

Using the alias of Anthony Moss, he then arranged to meet 14-year-old ‘Becky’ on February 2 this year with the intention of taking her virginity.

When the 28-year-old went to meet her at Sainsbury’s in Dewsbury, he was instead confronted by members of the Predator Exposure group.

Leeds Crown Court today heard how Phillips had tried to run away but was detained by members of the group until police arrived.

Also in court: Judge tells Leeds axeman that lengthy jail term is 'inevitable' as he admits more offences

Prosecutor Christopher Dunn said Phillips had been jailed for two years in July 2014 when he was convicted of inciting a girl aged under 16 to engage in sexual activity.