Aussie lured girl through Warcraft

An Australian man who convinced a 15-year-old girl he met while playing the multi-player online game World of Warcraft to fly and meet him has been convicted of child stealing.

Anthony Taylor, 31, sent sexual messages to the Tasmanian girl while they engaged in World of Warcraft game play.

As the relationship grew the pair also spoke on the telephone.

When the girl's father found out about the relationship he confronted Taylor on the game telling him he would kill him if he touched the girl.

In spite of this Taylor bought the girl a flight to Melbourne and deposited money in her bank account so she could get a taxi to the airport.

He was arrested as he waited for the girl to arrive at Melbourne Airport.

When confronted by police he admitted buying the girl's airline ticket and said he "thought the age could be a problem".

Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of child stealing.

The court was told Taylor has previously been found guilty of having a relationship with a girl under 16 whose child he fathered.

He is currently in a relationship with a 27-year-old woman from the United States whom he met online.

In sentencing Taylor Judge Susan Pullen said it was "troubling" Taylor had again become involved with a girl under 16.

"The facts in this case are disturbing," Judge Pullen said.

"It (the previous conviction) should have brought home to you that you should not be having any relationship with any child under 16 in a sexual way."

She convicted Taylor and ordered that he perform a seven-month non-custodial intensive corrections order.

- AAP