The ex-Royal Navy officer, from England but living in Ireland for several years, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998, at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court.

Electronic engineer Mark Barlow, 61, of Clonlost, Kilucan, Co. Westmeath, was arrested following a series of disturbing online chats with an undercover police officer in Yorkshire about fantasies involving young girls and toddlers.