Shamed soldier Gareth Walters ran away from paedophile hunters when they confronted him in Newcastle city centre.

The 38-year-old turned up at Central Station hoping to meet a 13-year-old but had fallen into a trap set by Dark Justice.

The court heard Walters was dismissed from the armed forces in “disgrace” after he was given a 21 month jail term at a court martial in 2013 for wounding and deserting.

“You recognise, in fact, in your state, you were the danger to that young person, had there been such a young girl.”

The judge said Walters had served his country at a time when he had mental health difficulties and now needs help to control drinking and protect the public.

He has been assessed as posing a low risk of re offending.

Jamie Adams, defending, said since his arrest Walters has sought help and therapy for his ongoing issues, which has had a positive effect, and he has been in no trouble since.