A Chinese man on trial for human trafficking in Ireland has admitted impeding the prosecution of others.

Song Bo He of Blackhall Street in Dublin 7 was originally charged with being responsible for illegally bringing asylum seekers here.

On July 25th 2009 immigration officers and Gardai raided Mr. Song's home. Inside, they found four other Chinese people living in the sitting room of his apartment.

None of them had passports or visas and it was later established that they were illegal immigrants who had been reported missing.

Mr. Song denied that he was involved in human trafficking in Ireland.

During questioning, he said he had been asked by others to give the four people a place to stay in exchange for some money. And that while he knew they were living here illegally, he needed the money.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has now decided to drop the human trafficking charge but has charged him with impeding their investigation.

He pleaded guilty to this new charge through an interpreter today and will be sentenced next month.