'Immediate threat' to children in Limerick: Crystal meth-addict said he’d ‘love to torture, rape and kill a child

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A MAN, who is allegedly addicted to crystal meth and is HIV positive, was charged with the possession, and distribution of child sex abuse images and videos, at a special court sitting.

A detective garda objected to the man, who has an address in Limerick, being granted bail as he alleged the accused was a “risk to children” and a “danger to the community”.

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At the beginning of the special sitting in Kilmallock Courthouse on Saturday evening, Judge Patricia Harney said there was “full reporting restrictions”.

Barrister Liam Carroll, instructed by Sarah Ryan, solicitor, applied for bail on behalf of his client. Inspector Gearoid Thompson, prosecuting, objected to bail being granted on behalf of the State. There was a large garda presence in the body of the court.

Detective Garda James Muldowney gave evidence of arresting and charging the Irish man, aged in his 40s, with a total of 14 offences in relation to possession, production and distribution of child pornography. They are contrary to the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998.

“He made no reply to any of the charge sheets after caution,” said Det Garda Muldowney.

The detective garda said phones were seized from the defendant’s home in Limerick following a search under warrant.

Det Garda Muldowney alleged images and videos of “extreme child pornography” were discovered on the devices.

He alleged, in a summary for the judge, that videos included a baby aged six months, a toddler aged 18 months, a six-year-old girl holding a teddy bear and an eight-year-old boy with his hands chained together. The Limerick Leader has taken the decision not to publish further alleged details of an extremely graphic nature that were heard in court.

Later, in cross-examination, Mr Carroll BL said his client’s instructions are that he did not create the alleged videos or images found on the defendant’s phones.

Det Garda Muldowney said "not that he is aware". The detective said the production of child pornography charges are allegeldy engaging in sexualised conversations in relation to the sexual abuse of children in conversations with others on Session and TeleGuard apps.

He alleged, in a summary for Judge Harney, that the defendant stated he would “love to torture, rape and kill a child and that he's been so close a few times”. The Limerick Leader has again taken the decision not to publish further alleged details of an extremely graphic nature that were heard in court.

The investigating garda also alleged that the defendant distributed videos with unnamed individuals online.

In his evidence, Det Garda Muldowney alleged the accused is “a risk to children".

Det Garda Muldowney, in continuing his objection to bail being granted, alleged the defendant has been addicted to crystal meth for eight years, uses it a couple of times a week and doesn't always remember his actions after he takes drugs.

The detective garda also alleged that the defendant said he is HIV positive during interviews with gardai, is not taking prescribed medication to stop the spread of the virus to others and having unprotected sex with others.

Det Garda Muldowney further alleged the defendant told gardai he has been to Mexico, had plans to go to the Philippines and has a sexual attraction to pubescent boys.

At the conclusion of his evidence, the detective alleged the accused is “an immediate threat to any child in his presence” and “a danger to the community”.

In cross-examination, Mr Carroll said the alleged conversations with others on social media “are, albeit abhorrent, performative fantasy”.

Det Garda Muldowney alleged: “That's what he says, judge, but they interject with his actual life that is too close for my comfort.”

Mr Carroll said his instructions are that his client was the victim of sexual abuse as a child. Det Garda Muldowney alleged the accused told gardai that during interview.

Mr Carroll said his client appreciates the concerns that gardai might have if he was granted bail, he would be happy to sign on regularly and live without any technology or devices in his possession.

Det Garda Muldowney alleged: “It's not actually the devices that are my concern. It’s the real world people that I believe are in danger.”

Mr Carroll, in applying for bail for his client, said it is a “very abhorrent situation”.

“It is the case that he is charged with very serious offences in a very serious context. I want the court to take into consideration the fact that he has indicated that he himself has been a victim in the past of such malicious behaviour on the part of others.

“That had a profound effect on him and he now finds himself addicted to an extremely harmful substance in the form of crystal meth. He has told me that he has attempted to get treatment for his difficulties but that it's quite difficult to find somebody appropriate, who is willing to engage with him to provide the treatment that he needs,” said Mr Carroll.

Judge Harney said she had listened very carefully to the evidence. The judge said the accused comes before the court as an innocent man and the presumption of innocence always remains until conviction.

Judge Harney refused the application for bail. The accused was remanded in custody to appear, via video-link, at a future court sitting for DPP’s directions.

If you have been affected by this story please contact the 24 Hour Rape Crisis Helpline on 1800 778888