A CHILDREN’S charity has branded the actions of a lorry driver who sent an explicit video of himself to what he thought was a 13-year-old girl as “horrific”.

The NSPCC said the actions of Michael Taylor highlighted the risk children face online from “predators”.

It comes after the 56-year-old was given a suspended sentence for attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child and possession of indecent images.

The court heard Taylor contacted what he thought was a 13-year-old girl through online messenger service ‘Kik’.

He sent the ‘girl’ a video of himself performing a sex act while in his lorry.

But Taylor was caught because the account was actually being operated by an undercover police officer.

He was later arrested and found to be in possession of 50 category C indecent image.

Taylor was given a 10 month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years.

Speaking after the sentencing, a spokesperson for children’s charity the NSPCC said: “Taylor’s horrific actions highlight the risks children face online from predators.

“It is therefore crucial that legislation is brought in to force social media platforms to keep young people safe.”

Taylor, of Beaver Drive, Bishopstoke, pleaded to one count of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child, one count of attempting to incite a child to watch a sexual act and one count of making indecent images.