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"Largest facilitator of child porn in the world" to seek legal aid and judicial review
Summary
A man described by the FBI as the 'largest facilitator of child porn in the world,' Eric Eoin Marques, is seeking a judicial review of the DPP's decision not to prosecute him in Ireland, the High Court heard. Marques, 28, of Mountjoy Square, Dublin, is alleged to have been the owner and administrator of an anonymous hosting site known as Freedom Hosting. He has been in custody since his arrest in August 2023, following concerns he represented a flight risk. The charges relate to images on over a hundred anonymous websites described as extremely violent and depicting the rape and torture of pre-pubescent children. Counsel for Marques, Mark Lynam BL, stated that his client intended to apply for legal aid prior to the judicial review. Counsel for the State, Patrick McGrath SC, noted that investigations into Marques's assets were ongoing. Mr Justice John Edwards expressed concern over the delay in providing a statement of means and ordered the matter to be resolved within days. The court heard that Marques would be available for cross-examination on any disputes regarding his statement of means. Mr Justice Edwards remanded Marques in custody until Tuesday (February 25). If convicted, he could face the remainder of his natural life in prison as the four charges could result in a sentence totalling 100 years.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Largest facilitator of child porn in the world" to seek legal aid and judicial review. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 25 Adjournment
- 2014-02-19 Publication
Why: If a situation was going to arise that the case can't proceed because Mr Marques has no legal representation, that needs to be put down, the judge said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: If convicted he could face the remainder of his natural life in prison as the four charges could result in a sentence totalling 100 years.; Mr Justice Edwards remanded Mr Marques in custody until Tuesday (February 25).
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