Taoiseach calls for EU child sex abuse directive following McCartney sentence

James Cox

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the time is right for the European Union to pass a directive on child sex abuse.

His comments come following the imprisonment of 26-year-old Alexander McCartney from Newry, Co Armagh, who will spend at least 20 years in prison.

The online predator pleaded guilty to 185 charges, including manslaughter in what's thought to be the UK's worst case of catfishing.

Simon Harris said the case was one of the most disgusting cases ever heard of.

"This is one of the most depraved and haunting cases that I think we've ever heard of. It's utterly disgusting and and despicable in every sense of meaning of those words.

"But it does definitely show the need now for the European Union to get on with it when it comes to passing a directive on child sex abuse."

Mr Harris also praised the PSNI over their handling of the case.

It is thought McCartney may have had over 3,000 victims around the world.

Mr Harris added: "The first thing I want to do is really pay tribute to the incredible work done by the PSNI in terms of international collaboration with other police forces... sending a very powerful message that the world will work together and pull together; and police and law enforcement will come together when it comes to the most horrific, disgusting, despicable crimes against children."