Swim coach sent for trial on child exploitation charges – RTE

A swimming coach, accused of making child pornography and sexual exploitation offences at a pool in Dublin, has been served with a book of evidence and returned for trial.

Matthew Coward, 31, of Shantalla Drive, Santry, Dublin, was arrested last month as part of a Garda Divisional Protective Services Unit investigation.

He was charged with 12 Child Trafficking and Pornography Act offences.

The coach, who is on bail, faces three counts of sexual exploitation of three girls and seven charges for production of child pornography on dates between 1 September 2021 and 26 February 2022 at a swimming pool in Dublin.

There are another two charges for possessing child pornography at another location.

He faced his second hearing today when he appeared before Judge Gerard Jones at Blanchardstown District Court and was served with a book of evidence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed “trial on indictment”, and the judge consented to the State's request to send the accused forward for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

He must not engage in swimming coaching and will face his next hearing on 20 October.

Mr Coward has not yet indicated how he will plead.