The court heard Mark Barlow (pictured) mistakenly thought that his discussions about his sexual interests would not be classified as child sexual abuse material.

At Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, the ex-Royal Navy officer confirmed his guilty pleas to fresh charges under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, for possessing and distributing more child abuse material between Jan 6th and 8th, 2025.

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.