A 12-year old-girl died by suicide after being blackmailed by her online abuser in one of the world’s biggest catfishing cases.

Alexander McCartney, who is 26 and from Lissumon Road outside Newry, previously admitted manslaughter. 

The victim, who is from outside of Ireland, cannot be identified for legal reasons.

McCartney, who has previously admitted 185 charges involving 70 child victims, but Belfast Crown Court heard there are many more victims who have not been identified. 

He will be sentenced next week.

Main image: Alexander McCartney. 

Reporting by Tara Griffith.