A 47-YEAR-old man charged with the possession of child pornography, and with using TikTok and WhatsApp to facilitate the exploitation of a child, has been directed not to use any social media platforms to communicate with minors while on bail.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Judge Joanne Carroll at Bandon District Court where he faced three charges.
Det Gda Paul Cullen of the Protective Services Unit at Dunmanway Garda Station gave evidence of a new charge that was preferred against the accused who made no reply.
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Sgt Eimear O’Connell said the accused faces one count of communicating by means of information and communication technology (TikTok and WhatsApp) to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child under 17 on January 21st 2025.
He faces two counts of possession of child pornography on a Samsung mobile phone - 32 images and four videos - at a West Cork location on March 3rd 2025.
It also alleged that he breached the Sex Offenders Act by failing to notify gardaí of names that he was using. The accused’s solicitor indicated that his client is to go forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court on a signed plea.
Judge Carroll gave him an alibi warning and granted free legal aid, to include one junior counsel, remanding him on bail in his own bond of €500.
As part of his bail conditions, Judge Carroll directed him not to have communication with any child directly or indirectly including all social media platforms including messaging apps.
He must also notify gardaí 72 hours in advance of any change of address. He must also sign on weekly at a garda station and have his mobile phone on and charged at all times.
Judge Carroll also imposed reporting restrictions so that the injured party or the accused cannot be identified and sent him forward to the next sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on June 23rd.
