Ireland’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided not to prosecute a man alleged by the FBI of being the largest facilitator of child porn on the planet.
It is believed the decision, made in the High Court this morning, could have implications on efforts by American authorities who are trying to extradite him to the United States to face charges.
In August, Eric Eoin Marques was arrested and remanded in custody by the High Court for alleged distribution of online child pornography.
Marques is wanted in the US on four charges that carry sentences of up to 30 years in prison for the distribution of images on websites that depict the rape and torture of children.
The decision not to prosecute Marques is based on complex legal issues raised by the DPP and in response to a letter submitted by Marques’ defence in which he said he would plead guilty to the offences if tried in Ireland.
The case has been adjourned until January.
