Child sexual exploitation charges for swim coach
MAN (31) ALSO ACCUSED OF PRODUCING PORNOGRAPHY
A SWIMMING coach has been granted bail pending trial after gardai charged him with making child pornography and sexual exploitation at a pool in Dublin.
Matthew Coward (31), of Shantalla Drive, Santry, Dublin, was arrested as part of an investigation by a Garda divisional protective services unit.
He was charged with 12 offences and brought to appear before Judge Joanne Carroll at Dublin District Court yesterday.
The coach faces three counts of sexual exploitation of three girls and seven charges of the production of child pornography between September 2021 and February this year.
He also faces two charges of possessing child pornography at another location.
Garda Sergeant Shane Behan told Judge Carroll he arrested Coward at his home on Thursday and took him to Finglas Garda Station where he was charged. Garda Sergeant Behan said: “The accused made no reply after caution to each charge; he was handed true copies of each charge sheet.”
Case
The court heard the DPP directed “trial on indictment” meaning the case will go before the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers. Mr Coward has not yet indicated how he will plead to the charges which are contrary to the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act. Judge Carroll ordered him to reside at his current address and to sign on twice weekly at Santry Garda station.
In addition, she told him: “Have no contact, directly or indirectly, with any witness in this case.” The final condition was to “refrain from engaging in any coaching roles”.
The case was adjourned to September 13.