Courts / Clare / Report

Man jailed for engaging in obscene video calls with decoy 14-year-old girl

Summary

Patrick McInerney, 40, of Kilkishen, Co Clare, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with an 18‑month suspended term, for using information technology to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child. He had believed he was communicating with 14‑year‑old girls through decoy Facebook profiles set up by a UK group. McInerney sent friend requests, forwarded a photograph of his erect penis, and conducted three video calls in which he masturbated, two via Facebook and one via WhatsApp. The videos were recorded and handed to Gardaí. He also sent a similar image to a woman selling puppies, who blocked him. Gardaí seized and analysed his phone, revealing the offending material. McInerney made full admissions, provided passwords and nicknames, and no longer uses Facebook or a smartphone. The judge noted the obscene nature of the conduct and the possibility of rehabilitation, but affirmed that he deserved prison. The suspended portion is to be served under strict conditions. Patrick McInerney pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man jailed for engaging in obscene video calls with decoy 14-year-old girl. Charges or matters: using information technology to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child, sending explicit material and engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature on dates in February 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• February 2023 Other
• February 27, 2023 Other
• 2024-03-19 Publication

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