Man from Londonderry admits possession of sex images of children

A 30-year-old man from Londonderry has pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children as young as six years old.

When he appeared before Londonderry Crown Court on Monday, Caolan Coyle admitted 12 counts of possession of indecent images.

Coyle, whose address cannot be published due to a court order, also admitted that he was accused of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child for personal sexual gratification.

He was released on bail pending sentencing on November 8.

The court was told that the offence of possession of indecent images was committed on October 7, 2022.

The images were classified in the most serious category A as well as categories B and C and affected children between the ages of six and 14, the court was told.

The offence of attempted sexual contact with a child for personal sexual gratification was committed between July 8 and October 24, 2022.

A prosecutor told the court that five more charges of possessing indecent images of children remained pending.

Judge Philp Babington ordered a preliminary sentencing report before November 8, saying the order prohibiting publication of Coyle's address “may be reviewed on that day”.

Coyle was also required to sign the sex offenders register.

The duration of his entry in the register will be determined when the judgment is pronounced.