Irish man living in Portugal charged under Child Trafficking and Pornography Act at Irish Court

A man has appeared in court charged under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act.

The man has also been charged with offences relating to attempting to communicate with and meet a child.
He will now be sent to the Kilkenny Circuit Court to face trial on three charges.

The man previously had an address in County Kilkenny and now resides in a European country, the local district court heard on Monday.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the matter be sent forward for trial at the next sittings of the circuit court, due to begin on April 23.

Paul O’Dwyer, formerly of Stoneyford and now residing at an address in Portugal, was presented with a book of evidence in the case on Monday.

He is charged with possession of child pornography, contrary to Section 6 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act; with using information technology to attempt to communicate with a child, contrary to common law; and with attempting to meet a child, contrary to common law.

At the court sitting Judge Geraldine Carthy delivered the usual alibi warning and approved legal aid for one junior counsel.
Mr O’Dwyer was sent forward for trial on continuing bail conditions, on his own bond of €5,000, including that he be contactable by gardaí at all times and reside as a designated address in Portugal. Any change of address is to be approved by gardaí. He was excused from appearing in court on April 23.