Cork man charged with raping girl and making child sex abuse images

Cork District Court also heard the accused led the girl 'to believe she was responsible for a €12,000 drug debt'

The defendant has a choice of signing a plea of guilty at the district court to be sent forward for sentencing at the Central Criminal Court or of being sent to the Central Criminal Court for trial. File picture: Larry Cummins

A 25-year-old man accused of raping a girl and making child sex abuse images, as well as demanding money from her with menaces, was arrested and brought before Cork District Court on Friday.

Detective Garda Enda Dowling objected to bail being granted to the accused, expressing the concern that he would be a flight risk if released on bail.

Judge Mary Dorgan heard evidence in the bail application made by barrister Elaine Audley and refused bail, remanding the accused in custody until October 15. 

Ms Audley said the main complainant in the case did not reside in County Cork and that the defendant could give an undertaking to remain in Cork if given bail.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case would be sent to the Central Criminal Court for trial. 

Alternatively, the defendant could sign a plea of guilty at the district court and be sent forward for sentencing at the Central Criminal Court.

The charges

Two counts of rape relate to January 5, 2024, and in respect of the same date there is a charge against him of knowingly producing child pornography for the purpose of distribution, publication, exportation, sale or show.

There is a related charge of coercing a child to participate in the production of child pornography.

A further charge alleges that on dates between December 30, 2023, and January 5, 2024, he allegedly made a demand with menaces for the payment of €12,000.

Det. Garda Dowling testified in the course of his objection to bail: “He led her to believe she was responsible for a €12,000 drug debt because she was the only person who knew about the drugs. Gardaí are satisfied that this drug seizure never happened.” 

In the course of his evidence, he said there was a video, which appeared to be taken by the accused, as the child engaged with him in oral sex and the video suggested she was acting under his instructions.

There are further charges against him in relation to theft of various sums of money ranging from €32 to €500 and of jewellery, including a €6,500 diamond ring.

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