An Armagh man accused of attempted sexual communication with a child and encouraging the making of indecent photographs will be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court.
A sitting on Tuesday in Armagh heard that this decision had been taken by the directing officer in the case, as the 44-year-old had allegedly been in contact with police who were “acting as young people online”.
Richard Brooks Porter, of Edenaveys Crescent, appeared charged with attempted sexual communication with a child, encouraging or assisting the making of an indecent photograph of a child and encouraging or assisting the distribution of an indecent photograph of a child.
A final decision had been made in the case and prosecution stated that it was to proceed as per the charge sheet.
Defence solicitor Jarlath Fields said that he needed one week to consider the papers.
District Judge Rosie Watters asked if the matter could be dealt with at the Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution stated: “That was the decision taken by the directing officer. It is one of these situations where the police were acting as young people online.
“Therefore, that is why it is attempted as there were no actual children involved.”
District Judge Watters said: “All I see are the charges but I am really concerned about dealing with this in the Magistrates’.
The case was put back until April 16.
District Judge Watters instructed the prosecution to speak with the directing officer during the interim period.
