The Taoiseach has praised the PSNI over their handling of the Alexander McCartney catfishing case.

The 26-year-old Newry man received a life sentence on Friday at Belfast Crown Court.

He will serve at least 20 years in prison having admitted to 185 charges involving 70 children.

International collaboration

Simon Harris has said a powerful message on international collaboration has been sent out by the PSNI.

“The first thing I want to do is really pay tribute to the incredible work that's been done by the PSNI in terms of international collaboration with other police forces,” he said.

“[It is] sending a very powerful message that the world will work together, and pull together, and police and law enforcement will work together when it comes to the most horrific, disgusting, despicable crimes against children.”

Charges

It's been reported McCartney may have had over 3 thousand victims around the world.

He pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter, 59 of blackmail, and 70 of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The manslaughter charge relates to the death of 12-year-old West Virginia girl Cimarron Thomas, who took her own life in May 2018.