A Galway man who admitted 49 offences – including the possession and distribution of child abuse material and facilitating the sexual exploitation of children – will be sentenced for the offences next year.

The 60-year-old appeared at an in-camera hearing at Galway Circuit Court to confirm signed guilty pleas he previously entered in the District Court.

The offences were committed on various dates between October and December 2023 and relate to online activity in South Galway.

The majority of the 49 charges concern offences contrary to Section 8 of the (Criminal Law) Sexual Offences Act.

Those offences state the man, by means of information and communication technology, communicated with another person, including a child, for the purpose of facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, by that person or any other person.

The court heard communication was through the Kik, a free, mobile-first messaging app known for its anonymity – with children who are identified only by online usernames.

The man pleaded guilty to charges of knowingly distributing dozens of videos and images of child pornography, contrary to Section 5 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act.

He also admits possession of child sexual abuse material, comprising videos and images, contrary to Section 5 of the Act.

Defence counsel, Conall MacCarthy SC, told the court his client has no previous convictions and there was a ‘high degree of cooperation’ from his client with Gardai.

He asked that the accused be remanded on continuing bail.

Prosecuting barrister, Geri Silke BL, confirmed to the court that the man has complied with the strict conditions of bail.

Mr MacCarthy said he understood that rehabilitation will form part of the court’s consideration of sentence, and the man is on waiting list for the child sexual abuse charity, One in Four.

Mr MacCarthy said he was also seeking a report from the probation services and a psychological report, prior to the case being finalised.

He asked that the ‘status quo’ with regards to the identification of his client be maintained at this point of proceedings.

Counsel said his client remains in employment, has a number of children and a mortgage remains on the home. He said the man wishes to put affairs in order before the sentence hearing.

Judge Brian O’Callaghan remanded the accused on bail to appear again on March 26, 2026 and directed he engage with the probation services.

The judge added that reporting restrictions, previously placed on the case, are to remain in place.

Funded by Courts Reporting Scheme.