Boy claims stranger offered him €50 for sex

A MAN who allegedly offered a 13-year-old schoolboy €50 to have sex with him has gone on trial at the Circuit Criminal Court.

The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with sexual exploitation under Section 3 of the Child Pornography and Trafficking Act, 1998. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His alleged victim told the Circuit Criminal Court in Castlebar today (Wednesday) that the accused followed him from a shopping centre in a west of Ireland town on January 13, 2016, and propositioned him for sex.

The boy, who is now 15, said he was 'shocked' and 'scared' and told his mother when he went home what had happened.

The alleged victim said the accused, whom he did not know, had cash in his right hand when he approached him and asked if he would 'like to earn some money'.

The trial, before Judge Rory MacCabe and a jury, is continuing.