Wicklow man (23) admits possession of child sexual abuse material
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow man has admitted to possessing child sexual abuse material found on his mobile phone.
Hassan El Mawla (23), of Liam Mellows Avenue, Arklow, was arraigned at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court.
The accused entered guilty pleas to two counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
The court heard that on November 10, 2022, at his home in Arklow, he knowingly possessed a Samsung mobile phone containing 68 images and 11 video files, and a Huawei mobile phone containing 54 images of child sexual abuse material.
It was further heard that between May 16, 2022 and May 23, 2023, he possessed additional material stored in two Google accounts, comprising 99 images and four video files of child sexual abuse material.
Counsel for El Mawla, Ed Sweetman BL said his client had been consuming such material from a young age and sought an extension of legal aid for the preparation of a psychological and probation welfare report ahead of sentencing.
Judge Patrick Quinn granted the application and adjourned the matter until April 14 when the reports are due to be furnished at Circuit Court call over day.