A KERRY woman’s phone number was randomly selected by a Co Clare man who allegedly sent her a lewd image of himself, a court has heard.
At Ennis District Court, Sgt Aiden Lonergan said that the State is to further allege that the 39 year old accused sent images of a sexual content of himself to three females.
In relation to the new charge concerning the Co Kerry woman, the man is accused of engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature on October 16th 2020.
Sgt Lonergan said that it will be alleged that the accused randomly selected the woman’s phone number before sending the lewd image of himself to her.
The accused made no reply when cautioned and charged before court.
Sgt Aiden Lonergan said that the DPP has directed that the case and two other related cases be heard in the district court
The man is facing two related charges of sending lewd images of himself to two other females living outside Clare on May 1st 2021 and three days later on May 4th 2021.
In one case, the man is charged with on May 1st 2021 of intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature by sending an image of his erect penis via WhatsApp to a female in such a manner to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person.
The man faces a similar charge that on May 4th 2021 of intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature by sending an image of his erect penis via WhatsApp to another female in such a manner to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person.
The charges are contrary to Section 45(3) of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.
After hearing an outline of the facts, Judge Mary Larkin said that she would accept jurisdiction in the case.
A person convicted of such an offence in the district court faces a prison term up to six months compared to a prison term up to two years on indictment in the circuit court.
Gardai are not objecting to bail and the man’s bail conditions include that he does not engage with social media communications with any females unknown to him; be of good behaviour; sign on weekly at his local Garda station and have no contract directly or indirectly with the alleged injured parties.
Judge Larkin granted legal aid to solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick to represent the accused and ordered that Gardai provide disclosure to Mr Fitzpatrick in the case.
Judge Larkin remanded the accused on bail to re-appear before Ennis District Court on May 17th.
