In 2023, Cork man Tim Bowen was caught by a vigilante paedophile-hunting group when he turned up at a café expecting to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex. He was later convicted in connection with the incident. Former RTÉ producer Kieran Creaven was also caught by a vigilante group after contacting someone he believed to be a child online, and later convicted.
However, the methods used by some groups have raised concerns about the presumption of innocence, due process and human rights.
In Monday's Irish Examiner reporter Alex Cunningham met some of those who hunt paedophile. He also spoke to experts and Gardai about how the groups operate – and whether what they do helps or hinders in convicting child sex offenders.
Alex joins Deirdre on today's episode.
Murky methods and motivations of ‘predator hunter’ groups
Cork man caught by vigilante paedophile hunters jailed for trying to sexually exploit a child
Irish Examiner view: Due process remains a vital step
Mick Moran: 'Ordinary' porn is now a gateway to child sex abuse material
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