Ramelton man pleads guilty to child sexual exploitation charges

A Ramelton man has pleaded guilty to two child sex offences.

Joseph Coyle, of Castle Street, Ramelton, appeared before Letterkenny Circuit Court.

Coyle pleaded guilty to the use of information and communication technology in an attempt to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child.

He was charged that, on a date between November 10, 2020 and November 16, 2020, both dates inclusive, that he did attempt to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 17 by inducing or coercing the child to engage in sexual activity.

Coyle also pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to cause a child under the age of 17 to watch another person engage in sexual activity for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification. The charge related to the same dates.

Coyle spoke only to plead guilty when he was formally arraigned at Letterkenny courthouse.

Ms Patricia McLaughlin SC, barrister for Coyle, said her client is a man in his early 40s with no previous convictions.

Ms McLaughlin asked that legal aid be extended to cover a psychologist's report.

Judge John Aylmer granted the request and asked for the preparation of a probation and welfare report, to include the accused's suitability for community service.

Coyle was remanded on continuing bail and the case was adjourned until October.