Courts / Dublin / Report

Man caught with video of unconscious girl (5) being sexually abused

Summary

Michael Flanagan, aged 31, was arrested for possessing child pornography, including a video of an unconscious five‑year‑old girl being sexually abused. He had previously been caught in 2012 and 2013 with child abuse images and was found to have an external hard drive and a USB thumb drive containing 18 and 35 images respectively, plus the video in question. The court adjourned sentencing to 3 March, remanded him on continuing bail, and noted the particular concern over the video. Flanagan pleaded guilty to two counts of possession. His defence counsel cited personal circumstances, including a breakup and long‑term drinking, and requested a non‑custodial sentence, while the judge considered the seriousness of the offence and the potential impact of media coverage. The case remains pending sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man caught with video of unconscious girl (5) being sexually abused. Charges or matters: two counts of possessing child pornography in 2012 and 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 3 Adjournment
• November 13, 2012 Incident
• September 6 Other
• 2012 and 2013 Other
• 2017-02-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report