Cork court: Book of evidence served in case against man facing 116 sexual charges

A book of evidence was served yesterday in the case against a 38-year-old man facing a total of 116 sexual charges arising out of the investigation into online communications with children, production of child pornography, and sexual assaults.

The accused man appeared at Cork District Court by video link from prison in relation to the charges, which range over a period from May 2021 to August 2024, in areas of Cork and Kerry.

Sergeant John Kelleher confirmed that Detective Garda Richard O’Donnell had served a book of evidence on the accused man’s solicitor Frank Buttimer.

Judge Mary Dorgan sent the case forward from Cork District Court for trial at the next sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 28. The judge gave him the alibi warning whereby certain notices must be given to the State if there is to be reliance on such a defence.

Twenty charges relate to alleged sexual activity with a child under 15; another 20 similar counts relate to children under 17, and there are 40 counts of meeting a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Other charges include the production and distribution of child pornography, using information and communications technology to facilitate sexual exploitation, and sending of sexually-explicit material to a child.

For legal reasons, publication of the identity of the accused is prevented.

Det Garda O’Donnell arrested and charged the defendant earlier this month and objected to bail being granted, arising out of Garda concerns for the safety of children if he was released from custody.

Mr Buttimer asked for free legal aid to be extended for the appointment of a barrister and senior counsel to represent the defendant on free legal aid at the circuit court.