Child sex messages man was 'trying to catch police'

A man who was arrested with condoms and underwear in his car says he was on his way to "catch out" and "confront" undercover police officers posing as a teenage girl, Ipswich Crown Court has heard.

Giles Croucher, 49, is currently on trial for attempting to engage a child in sexual communication and attempting to cause or incite a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity.

He denies both charges.

Mr Croucher, from Ipswich, was arrested on the A12 with three white lace thongs in a gift bag, 10 condoms and two phones inside his car on 28 June, the jury was told.

He is alleged to have been in contact with an online account, the user of which was claiming to be a 14-year-old girl.

Mr Croucher gave a prepared statement during an interview which was read out in court on Wednesday.

He said he believed he was talking to an "undercover officer" and was not seeking sexual contact.

He said: "I went to meet them to confirm my suspicions, catch them out and confront them.

"I had no intention to engage in any form of sexual activity.

"I found the phone in Alexandra Park."

The trial continues.

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