A child sex offender who was caught in the act by a vigilante group has died in prison.
Ricky Slade, 30, from Nottingham, thought he was messaging a 10-year-old girl, when in fact in was members of a 'paedophile hunting group' called 'The Hunted One'.
'The girl' had arranged to meet him, but when he turned up he was confronted by the group.
After the meeting, he was arrested by police and was due to be sentenced on February 16. He knew that he was going to be facing jail time as he had already admitted three counts of attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and one count of attempting to meet a child under 16 following grooming.
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He had been released on bail, however he didn't attend court so a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was found dead in prison while awaiting his sentence.
A Prison Service spokesperson told The Mirror: "HMP Nottingham prisoner Ricky Slade died in custody on Friday, 3 February.
"As with all deaths in custody, there will be an independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman."
Messages between him and 'the girl' were released by the group.
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Credit: The Hunted One
It reads:
Ricky: maybe I'm not sure
The Hunted One posing as young girl: Why maybe?????
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Ricky: do u want to have sex with me
Ricky: can u do me some pics now x
THO: Yeah but where????
Ricky: I will find us somewhere
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Ricky: don't have any x
Ricky: I can't believe I'm falling in love with a child
THO: I know it's crazy! U know wot would be cool if you bought me flowers! So romantic
Ricky: well I could do that when I get payed on the 25th of November
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Ricky: we can meet up when I'm of and I will book us a hotel x
In a statement, The Hunted One said: "We would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family of Ricky Slade at this difficult time.
"Our team are deeply shocked to learn of this incident.
"Out of respect to his family, we will be removing all posts in relation to this case."
The cause of death has not yet been released.
Featured Image Credit: The Hunted One/YouTubeTopics: Paedophile, Dead