TWO men who admitted online child sex offences have been formally placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Justin Bell, 49, of Bannisdale Way, Morton, and 23-year-old Michael Chapman, of Troutbeck, near Penrith, appeared from HMP Durham via video link at the magistrates' court in Carlisle yesterday.

District Judge Gerald Chalk said: "The reason you are appearing before the court today is that there was a minor administrative error made. The offences to which you made admissions require you to be place on the Sex Offenders Register." He said unfortunately when the men appeared in court on April 8 this was not done.

The two offenders - caught by by paedophile hunter groupswho set up online stings to expose them - were remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on May 17. The crown court will also determine how they will be subject to the Sex Offenders Register.

Bell admitted two counts of attempting to communicate sexually with a child; and two of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

In a separate case Chapman admitted attempting to engage a child in sexual communication online; and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.