A 49-year-old man from Derry has appeared in court charged with sexual communication with a child after being allegedly caught by a vigilante group using a hoax Facebook account.
Thomas Doherty whose address was given to the court but ordered to be kept private, was charged with one count of sexual communication with a child under 16 on June 5.
The court heard that police were approached by a so-called vigilante group who used fake Facebook accounts as decoys.
They said they had created an account allegedly from a 13-year-old girl and on May 9 Doherty was said to have made a friend request.
Over the next period, Doherty was said to have sent "numerous messages" and police were told he was well aware he believed he was in contact with a 13-year-old girl.
The court heard that Doherty was alleged to have tried to make arrangements to meet the girl for sexual activity.
Police attended the defendant's address on June 7 and seized seven devices that had still to be examined.
At interview, he confirmed it was his Facebook account and mobile number but claimed he had "no idea" why he sent a friend request.
He told police he had mental health issues and said he may have been "drunk and off his head".
He said he had no memory of the offences and said he had been drinking every day.
Bail was opposed.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client had "a very limited record" and nothing of this nature.
He said Doherty was "deeply ashamed and remorseful" but added there was no risk to the 13-year-old as she didn't exist.
The solicitor said that the case would probably go to the Crown Court and there could be some delay in it.
District Judge Barney McElholm said that he wanted to see medical records for the man.
He refused bail and remanded Doherty in custody to appear again on July 6.