County Derry man charged with possessing indecent images released on bail

A man has been released on bail at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with indecent images.

Patrick Kelly (35) of Bell's Hill Road in Castledawson was charged with distributing an indecent image of a child between January 2024 and February 27 2024.

He was also charged with possessing an indecent image of a child on the same dates and sexual communication with a child again on the same date. 

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

The court heard that police were seeking Kelly due to information about him allegedly possessing indecent images.

Kelly presented himself to Strand Road PSNI Station on February 27 in relation to another matter and was arrested. 

His phone was seized and messages discovered sexual communication with a child under 15 years of age. 

The court heard that images had been exchanged between the defendant and the alleged victim. 

The police officer said that picture did not believe Kelly resided at the address he had given to police. 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and the fact he might not turn up for trial. 

The officer said that due to the nature of the communication it would be possible for the defendant to gain access anywhere in the world. 

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said her application was for bail to an address approved by police. 

She said Kelly had co-operated with police and added that he had no record. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that it was very hard to police the use of the Internet but added he would grant bail. 

Kelly has to reside at an address approved by the PSNI where bail can be managed. 

He is also not to leave the North Norton possess any Internet enabled device. 

Kelly must also report to police three times a week and have no contact with anyone under 18 years of age. 

He will appear again on March 28.