A South Kerry man has appeared in court facing over 140 charges of sexual offences against a child.
The man, who’s in his 30s, appeared before Judge Treasa Kelly at Tralee District Court today.
Two females, with addresses in Kerry, were also charged in relation to providing children for sexual exploitation.
You’re advised you may find some details in this report distressing.
Detective Sergeant Tom Bourke gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution of the man.
He told the judge that the 34-year-old made no reply to 141 of the charges, and when the final charge was put to him, said “I know what I did was wrong, but at that time I was feeling low because of things that happened in my life”.
The man, who appeared in court in person, faces 36 charges of obtaining a child for sexual exploitation, 34 counts of inciting a child to sexual touching and 33 charges of sexual assault.
He also faces 34 charges of engaging in sexual activity in the presence or sight of a child and four counts of communicating to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child.
The 142 charges relate to alleged sexual offences against four children under 17 years of age.
His solicitor Padraig O’Connell advised that his client is on disability allowance, and his only asset is a motor vehicle.
Sergeant Stephen O’Brien told the court that the DPP directed trial on indictment, but said that given the dates of the alleged offences, the book of evidence will take some time.
Detective Garda Mary McGinty gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution of a 46-year-old woman, who faces 40 charges.
She is charged with 33 counts of providing a child for sexual exploitation and seven charges contrary to the child trafficking and pornography act 1998, including the production, distribution and possession of child pornography.
A second woman, who’s in her 20s, faces nine charges, including facilitating the exploitation of children and providing a child for sexual exploitation, on dates between May 2019 and September 2021.
Her solicitor, Brendan Ahern told the judge his client is in receipt of carer’s allowance.
Appearing for the woman in her 40s, on behalf of Michael O Donnell solicitors Rathkeale, Mr Ahern outlined that this woman is in receipt of disability allowance.
Sgt O’Brien told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions also directed trial on indictment against both women, however the book of evidence is not yet available.
Judge Kelly remanded all three accused in custody with consent to bail, subject to a number of conditions, and on their own bonds of €300.
The solicitor’s advised the conditions were understood and legal aid was granted.
All three were remanded on bail to appear before the court again next month.