Man admits to possessing child sex abuse images in Cork

The material consisted of 643 images and 27 video files

The case was adjourned until November 18. File picture: Larry Cummins

A 23-year-old man has entered a plea of guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to possessing child sex abuse images.

Detective Garda Brian Morris of the Garda Protective Services Unit charged Giovanni Caroto of Ploverfield, Cullen, Mallow, County Cork, with the charge which came before the circuit court.

Defence barrister Brian Leahy asked for the accused to be arraigned on the single charge against him.

This count stated that on November 1, 2022, at his home in Mallow he was in possession of child pornography, namely 643 images and 27 video files.

Giovanni Caroto pleaded guilty to that.

Mr Leahy, barrister, asked for a pre-sentencing probation report stating that the accused was suffering various addiction problems at the time and had no previous convictions of any kind.

Judge Helen Boyle said that given the nature of the case she would need a risk assessment of the defendant and that it would be appropriate for this to be carried out by the probation service.

Mr Leahy also asked for free legal aid to be extended for the purpose of a psychologist’s report on the defendant.

Judge Boyle adjourned sentencing in all of these circumstances until November 18.