A SEX offender who groomed an underage girl on Snapchat will now be assessed by a specialist psychologist to see if he poses a danger to children.

Thomas Leedham, previously of Ombersley Road, Worcester, will be assessed by a forensic neuropsychologist to help establish the level of risk.

If he is assessed as dangerous the judge has the power to impose an extended sentence which can require the Parole Board to authorise his release from prison.

The 24-year-old was due to be sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday and a pre-sentence report had been prepared by the probation service for that purpose.

However, the judge decided to adjourn for a further report to be prepared by the specialist.

At the last hearing in April we reported how Leedham groomed the 12-year-old on Snapchat which lets users share photos and videos instantly.

The 'snaps' are only available for online friends to see for a limited time.

He is accused of asking the girl to perform a sex act upon him.

Leedham was formally arraigned by the clerk of the court at the April hearing, admitting attempting to arrange/facilitate the commission of a child sexual offence between March 10 and March 12 this year.

The inciting offence involved a child under the age of 16 (12 years) and placed him in breach of a sexual offences prevention order imposed on August 19, 2013.

He also admitted breaching the terms of the sexual offences prevention order.

Charles Hamer, for Leedham, speaking at the hearing on Thursday, said the defendant's dangerousness was 'a live issue' for any sentencing judge. A pre-sentence report has identified Leedham's 'preoccupation with and preference for children', his 'distorted attitude' and that he suffers from 'low self-worth'.

Mr Hamer described Leedham as someone whose emotional and intellectual maturity was not commensurate with his age.

Judge Jim Tindal said he interpreted the pre-sentence report as showing that Leedham presented 'a significant risk of serious harm'.

The judge added: "Mr Leedham is going to go to prison for a significant period of time. The question is whether it's an extended sentence.

"Sometimes a psychological report lends weight to a finding of dangerousness.

"It would not be right and sensible to sentence Mr Leedham today. It's not simply a question of fairness to Mr Leedham but a question of properly protecting the public."

Leedham was jailed for nine years in August 2013 for sexual offences but had been released and was subject to licence conditions.

At the previous hearing it was said that Leedham had now been recalled to custody and would not be released from prison until 2022.

Judge Tindal reserved the case to himself, telling the defendant there was 'no chance' he would receive anything other than a custodial sentence but that there remained a question over whether it would be an extended sentence.

The sentencing hearing was adjourned until Friday, July 13.