A JUDGE ordered the probation service to look into whether a convicted sex offender should be found to be dangerous.

Frederick Weeks, 56, was caught chatting online to decoy social media accounts run by paedophile hunter groups and undercover police officers within months of being given a suspended sentence for child grooming offences in May.

He had been due to be sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Friday for two breaches of his sexual harm prevention order, three counts of attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a 13-year-old “girl” for sex on October 31, 2020.

But after reading a probation report detailing his compliance with the earlier order, Judge Peter Crabtree ordered a fresh report. It will look specifically at whether Weeks should be assessed as a dangerous offender, meaning he could serve longer in prison and be subject to a lengthier period on licence.

The judge stressed he was not giving any indication of whether he was going to rule Weeks dangerous, but said he wanted to explore the question “for obvious public protection reasons”.

Weeks, of Cotswold Close, Warminster, but appearing before the court via video link from HMP Bullingdon, will be sentenced on March 12. Tom Wilkins appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service. Alec Small represented Weeks.

Last year, Wiltshire Police promised that Weeks, who was given a two year suspended prison sentence, would be carefully monitored to ensure he would not re-offend.

Det Con James Fry of Melksham CID said: “I know these types of offences are hugely concerning to the local community, but please be reassured that the Sexual Harm Prevention Order has been put in place to safeguard the public and ensure Weeks no longer has opportunities to engage in this sort of criminal activity.”