Author Jonathan Quinnell, 62, was snared by Dank Dragon - a volunteer group of online paedophile hunters - and reported to police.
Today, at Croydon Crown Court he was given the opportunity to avoid immediate imprisonment by finding legal representation and was bailed until February 2.
Until his arrest Quinnell was living in Orpington with his wife and son, but has now moved to an address in Lea Close, Reading.
He had already pleaded guilty at a hearing last year at Bromley Magistrates’ Court to attempting to meet the decoy 14 year-old girl after sexual grooming between December 1 and 20, 2023.
He also pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child between the same dates, namely touching, kissing and oral sex.
Quinnell boasts in his online profile of having over twenty years experience in his field and planning workshops for his clients.
He claims to have Higher Diplomas in hypnotherapy; life coaching; psychotherapy; philosophy and consumer affairs from the School of Natural Health Sciences.
The first-time offender was denied free Legal Aid due to his £1,000 per month private pension, but yesterday was ordered by Judge Anthony Dunne to be represented at the next hearing.
“The serious charge is attempting to meet a child after communication, after grooming,” announced the judge.
There is no teenage girl victim, but a an adult female masqueraded online as a youngster to tempt Quinnell into sexually-explicit conversation.
“She talks about conversations prior, talking about oral sex although the meeting did not go ahead,” said Judge Dunne.
“You appear here today for sentencing and it is a very serious matter before me,” he told Quinnell. “You have been convicted of two very serious offences ands the likely consequence is a custodial sentence.
“I have to decide if I can suspend it. You are in a position of some jeopardy today.”
The court heard Quinnell did not get past mulling over how he would travel to the decoy girl, claiming he would have difficulty with a four-hour train journey.
Quinnell told Judge Dunne: “It would be better to be represented, but I have a problem developing systems to get something done.
“I put things off and it causes a lot of anxiety and distress.
“I did see the duty solicitor at Bromley and we agreed I would plead guilty and that is the only legal representation I have had.”
Judge Dunne told him: “I think you need to have the opportunity to get legal representation. While it may cause you anxiety to get a solicitor that is far less than the anxiety of coming to court without one.
“It would induce anxiety in anyone. You need to get legal representation.”
The prosecution will also apply for a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to limit Quinnell’s online activity and contact with children.
“That is a list of conditions the court may impose to prevent you offending again and that may assist you in not going to prison,” added the judge.
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