Courts / Dublin / Report
Case against "Largest facilitator of child porn in the world" put back
Summary
The High Court has adjourned the extradition proceedings against Eric Eoin Marques, a 28-year-old resident of Mountjoy Square, Dublin, for one week. Marques is alleged to be the owner and administrator of Freedom Hosting, an anonymous site described by an FBI Special Agent as the largest facilitator of child pornography in the world. US authorities seek his extradition to face charges including conspiring to distribute and advertise child pornography, as well as advertising and distributing such material. The court heard allegations that the sites hosted millions of graphic images depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children. Although the Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to bring proceedings in Ireland, counsel for Marques indicated he would plead guilty if prosecuted domestically. The judge noted that if convicted on the four US charges, Marques faces a potential sentence totalling 100 years, effectively the remainder of his natural life. The case was put back due to ongoing matters regarding legal representation, with the court expressing anxiety that progress be made. Marques has remained in custody since his August arrest after bail was refused due to flight risk concerns.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Case against "Largest facilitator of child porn in the world" put back. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 2014-01-21 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: The court heard that if convicted Mr Marques faces spending the remainder of his natural life in prison as the four charges could result in a sentence totalling 100 years.
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