A Co Donegal man who tried to induce an undercover garda into having sex thinking she was a child has been jailed for two years.
Joseph Coyle (41) of Castle Street, Ramelton, was caught red-handed by gardaí who set up an online sting operation in 2020.
He appeared before Letterkenny Circuit Court where he was jailed for two years after pleading guilty.
He admitted to the use of information and communication technology in an attempt to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child.
He was charged that, on a date between November 10th, 2020 and November 16th, 2020, both dates inclusive, he attempted to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 17 by inducing or coercing the child to engage in sexual activity.
He also pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to cause a child under the age of 17 to watch another person engage in sexual activity for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification. The charge related to the same dates.
Judge John Ayler noted the charges carried potential maximum sentences of 14 and 10 years, adding: “The potential maximum sentence indicates how serious the legislature takes these types of offences."
Coyle was detected by an undercover officer who was pretending to be a child of 12 years of age.
The interaction culminated in Coyle requesting to have sexual intercourse. Coyle told the person that he would “love to have sexual intercourse” and instructed her to perform a sexual act.
The court heard that the Probation Service has assessed Coyle as being of medium risk of reoffending.
Judge Aylmer said the offences each merited a starting point of five years imprisonment.
In terms of mitigation, Judge Aylmer said Coyle pleaded guilty and cooperated fully with the investigation. He said Coyle came before the court without previous convictions and has not come to adverse attention since.
Judge Aylmer said that Coyle was described as being a “very shy and somewhat isolated individual”.
While Coyle accepted responsibility for the offences, Judge Aylmer said Coyle tended to minimise his offending.
The court was told that the accused, who was represented by Ms Patricia McLaughlin SC, with Mr Timothy Morrow BL, instructed by solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher, comes from a good and supportive family, with whom he still lives.
The Probation Service sought to emphasise what was described as “a very significant need for rehabilitation” and recommended a two-year period of supervision.
Noting the need for rehabilitation, Judge Aylmer reduced the sentences to four years on each count, with the final two years suspended for a period of two years on Coyle entering into a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two years following his release.
Coyle is to be placed under the supervision of the Probation Service for two years after his sentence and must attend all appointments and engagement in an assessment for a suitable sex offender treatment programme.
Judge Aylmer directed that Coyle, of Castle Street, Ramelton, undertake underage offence-focussed work and comply with all directions.
He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
