Cork gardaí charge man with paying a child for sexual exploitation

The man also faces other charges in connection with child sexual abuse images

Sergeant David Fleming said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case would be dealt with by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. File picture: Larry Cummins

A 53-year-old man was brought before Cork District Court charged with paying a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

When Detective Garda Sheila O’Brien charged him, he replied on Tuesday after caution: “No comment at this time”.

The charge states that on a date unknown between November 2019 and February 2021, he did pay a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

He is charged that in a similar period he communicated by WhatsApp to facilitate sexual exploitation of a child under 17.

A third charge states that on May 21, 2021, he distributed one video containing child pornography.

He was charged with three separate counts related to the same date, September 3, 2021, of possession of child pornography.

Det. Garda O’Brien said there was no objection to bail on conditions, including that he sign once a week at his local garda station and have no contact directly or indirectly with the injured party.

Sergeant David Fleming said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case would be dealt with by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The accused was represented by barrister Brian Leahy. The case was adjourned until October 13 at Cork District Court for a book of evidence.

There is a prohibition against identification of parties to the case.