A YOUNG man pleaded guilty before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to possessing and distributing hundreds of sexual images and videos of children.
The young man, who can not currently be named, admitted one count of possession of child pornography contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998, as amended by Section 14 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 2017.
He also admitted to one count of distributing child pornography contrary to Section 5 (1)(b) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998 as amended by Section 12 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 2017.
The court heard that the young man had in his possession 226 sexual images of children and 186 sexual videos involving children on a date in March 2020.
No other evidence was disclosed before the court sitting.
The young man, who was under 18 at the time he was found in possession of the illegal material involving children, spoke in the court only to confirm “guilty” pleas.
Prosecuting counsel John O’Sullivan BL said the young man’s guilty pleas were acceptable to the State on a full facts basis, meaning the facts of the case will be outlined before the court at his sentencing hearing in July.
Judge Tom O’Donnell ordered that the young man be subject to a national sex offenders register.
His barrister asked the court to adjourn sentencing for a probation report.
Judge O’Donnell granted the application and remanded him on continuing bail for sentencing on July 24.
