Man admits possessing 3,500 child porn images and videos

A 20-year old man has pleaded guilty to possessing nearly 3,000 images and more than 700 videos of child pornography.

The man pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to having the illegal material at his home, on February 10th, 2016, contrary to section 6 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998.

The man admitted possessing 2,683 images and 721 movie files in total.

Prosecuting counsel John O’Sullivan described the case as “highly sensitive”.

A psychological report was sought by the man’s defence.

On January 10th, 2017, the man pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to five other separate charges relating to possessing child pornography, as well as sending indecent or obscene messages by telephone, contrary to section 13 (1) (a) and section 13 (2) of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951, as amended by section 4 of the Communications Regulation (Amendment) Act 2007.

Judge Tom O’Donnell granted an application by the man’s lawyer preventing the media from reporting the defendant’s name.

The man was placed on the national register of sex offenders and he must notify gardaí of his whereabouts and if he changes his address.

He was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Limerick Circuit Court on July 10th for a date for sentencing.