A man who produced and distributed images of his sexual abuse of a teenage boy has been given a 12-year jail term. The 49-year-old cannot be named to protect the identity of his victims.

He was caught downloading child porn when Gardai raided his home after receiving a tip off that he was offering to show a live stream on the internet of himself having sex with the boy.

Gardaí recovered over 52 images of the boy's abuse which took place at the man's house following a period of grooming along with over 50,000 other child pornography images.

The man pleaded guilty to a number of charges between September 2010 and July 2011.

Images divided by category

He had recorded his sexual abuse of the boy and distributed images via the internet using a programme to connect with others of a similar inclination.

He had categorised his online collection of 25,000 child pornography images into eight 'levels' which he shared with others based on the 'level' of the images they shared with him. These images ranged from children exposing themselves to sexual interactions with adults or animals.

Mr. Justice Carney imposed a 12-year sentence and suspended the final 3 years. He declared the man a sex offender and ordered 18 months post release supervision.

The man is currently serving a 4-year sentence for possession of child pornography imposed last year. His sentence today on the remaining charges in the case had been delayed while legal matters were addressed.