Wexford man who believed he was messaging a 12-year-old girl gets suspended jail sentence. Phelim O Conner was Caught by Paedo Hunters Group in England. O Conner was all over Facebook, Photo included and many in Wexford were Shocked. Phelim O’Connor was before Wexford Circuit Court pleading guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of a female he believed was just 12 years old.

He was not happy that O’Connor had in effect been tried on Facebook by a group of vigilantes.

Though he had behaved recklessly and sending intimate photos was reprehensible, he had been exposed to public opprobrium before his had been offered an opportunity to explain himself.

“You have already paid a significant penalty,” the judge concluded before handing down the suspended sentence.

Former hurler and underage soccer international was confronted by ‘Paedo hunters’ in Liverpool and the exchange was live-streamed on Facebook