Man (25) appears in Cork court on charges of rape and making video with child

A 25-year-old man accused of raping a girl and making child pornography, as well as demanding money from her with menaces, was arrested and brought before Cork District Court today.

Detective Garda Enda Dowling objected to bail being granted to the accused, expressing the concern that he would be a flight risk if released on bail.

Judge Mary Dorgan heard evidence in the bail application made by barrister Elaine Audley and refused bail, remanding the accused in custody until October 15. 

Ms Audley said the main complainant in the case did not reside in County Cork and that the defendant could give an undertaking to remain in Cork if given bail.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case would be sent to the Central Criminal Court for trial. 

Alternatively, the defendant could sign a plea of guilty at the district court and be sent forward for sentencing at the Central Criminal Court.

Two counts of rape relate to January 5 2024 and in respect of the same date there is a charge against him of knowingly producing child pornography for the purpose of distribution, publication, exportation, sale or show.

There is a related charge of coercing a child to participate in the production of child pornography.

A further charge alleges that on dates between December 30 2023 and January 5 2024 he allegedly made a demand with menaces for the payment of €12,000.

Det Garda Dowling testified in the course of his objection to bail: “He led her to believe she was responsible for a €12,000 drug debt because she was the only person who knew about the drugs. 

"Gardaí are satisfied that this drug seizure never happened.” 

In the course of his evidence he said there was a video, which appeared to be taken by the accused, as the child engaged with him in oral sex and that the video suggested she was acting under his instructions.

There are further charges against him in relation to theft of various sums of money ranging from €32 to €500 and of jewellery, including a €6,500 diamond ring.

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