Cork man admits 'inappropriate' Facebook messaging but denies child sex exploitation

The prosecution barrister told the jury at the outset of the hearing that the defendant “has autism spectrum disorder”

The accused man pleaded not guilty to communicating with the 14-year-old by Facebook messages for the purpose of facilitating sexual exploitation of the child.

A man with autism spectrum disorder pleaded not guilty to Facebook messaging with a 14-year-old for the purpose of sexual exploitation of the child but agreed with investigating gardaí that the conversation he was having with her was inappropriate.

The case is being heard by Judge Helen Boyle and a jury of 10 men and two women at Cork Circuit Criminal Court and continues tomorrow.