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Clare man (39) to face trial charged with sexually exploiting child online

Patrick McInerney (39) is also accused of offensive sexual conduct in a series of offences alleged to have happened earlier this year.

Yesterday at 14:34

A man has been charged with attempting to send explicit material to and sexually exploit a child online.

Patrick McInerney (39) is also accused of offensive sexual conduct in a series of offences alleged to have happened earlier this year.

He is facing trial and the case against him was adjourned at Dublin District Court for the preparation of a book of evidence.

Mr McInerney, with an address at Main St, Kilkishen, Co. Clare, is charged with five alleged offences under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.

He faces two counts of intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature, on January 25 and 26 and two counts of attempting to send sexually explicit material to a child by means of information and communication technology, on February 5 and on dates between January 30 and February 18.

The fifth charge is that he did attempt by means of information and communication technology to facilitate the sexual exploitation of the child under seventeen,” also on dates between January 30 and February 18.

The offences are all alleged to have been committed at unknown locations in Dublin.

Detective Garda Tracy O’Reilly gave evidence of the accused’s arrest, charge and caution. She said the Director of Public Prosecutions was directing that the case should proceed on indictment to the circuit court.

The garda had no objections to bail being granted subject to conditions. Judge Bryan Smyth set bail in the accused’s own bond of €500 with no cash lodgement required.

Under conditions, Mr McInerney must sign on weekly at his local garda station in Ennis, Co Clare, between the hours of 9am and 9pm.

He is to be contactable at all times on a mobile phone number provided to the gardai. The accused must also have no contact on social media with any child under the age of 17.

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Free legal aid was granted following an application by a defence barrister who said the accused had no assets.

Judge Smyth remanded the accused on bail to appear in court on November 27, for the service of a book of evidence.

Mr McInerney will be sent for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court when the book of evidence is ready.

No details of the alleged offences have yet been heard in court.

Mr McInerney was not required to address the brief hearing and has not yet entered pleas to the charges.