A swimming coach has been charged with seven counts of producing child pornography and three of child exploitation. 

Matthew Coward of Shantalla Drive, Santry, Dublin 9 was arrested this morning and appeared before the Criminal Courts of Justice this afternoon.

The charges involve three children and relate to incidents alleged to have taken place at a Dublin swimming pool between 1st September 2021 and 17th February 2022.

He also faces two counts of possession of child pornography in a separate location.

Judge Joanne Carroll granted bail under 6 conditions - including that he stays away from the pool in question, has no contact with any witnesses and that he refrains from any coaching jobs.

Mr Coward is due before Blanchardstown District Court on 13th September where a book of evidence will be presented.

Main image: Matthew Coward.