Steven Accini admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a girl he believed to be under 16 on November 5 last year.
The 40-year-old sent messages asking about her sexual history and sexual activity.
On March 14 he pleaded guilty to the charge at Croydon Crown Court.
Last Wednesday, April 16, he returned to the court for sentencing.
Accini, of Cheam Road, was given a 23-week prison sentence suspended for a year and a half.
A sexual harm prevention order was made limiting his internet usage and having any unsupervised contact with children for the next five years.
He will also be required to sign the sex offender’s register for seven years.
