AN RTÉ TELEVISION producer appeared in court today charged with attempting to meet a girl under 16 years of age following grooming.

Kieran Creaven, 55, also faces a second charge of attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13-15 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

The two charges relate to a period of time between 1 July and 18 November 2017, when Creaven is alleged to have travelled to Leeds, West Yorkshire from Dublin with the intention of committing the crimes in a city centre hotel.

Creaven, who is a senior television producer in the RTÉ Sports department, appeared in Leeds Magistrates Court wearing a blue denim shirt and blue jeans today.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and to indicate that he understood the charges.

Members of the public who were sat in the public gallery shouted at Creaven as he spoke.

There was no indication of plea.

Jill Seddon, prosecuting said: “He has been making contact online with a fictitious female who he believed to be 13 years old.

“This is a matter that should be sent to Crown Court to be dealt with.”

Creaven’s legal team made an application to bail the defendant to his home address in Dublin, where he lives with his wife.

His lawyer said: “While this is a serious offence it is not unusual for defendants to be granted bail in more serious matters. He has never been in trouble before and has never experienced this type of situation.”

The application for conditional bail was granted with strict conditions and Creaven will appear before Leeds Crown Court on 18 December.

As the magistrate’s decision to grant bail was read out the public gallery shouted their disapproval.

Addressing the defendant, Magistrate Rosemary Heslop said: “We are going to grant bail. There is no substantial grounds to believe that offences will be committed. There is no history of failing to attend court.

“These are the grounds that everyone is entitled to.”

Creaven was bailed to appear before Leeds Crown Court on 18 December.

RTÉ issued a statement last night confirming the man was an employee of the State broadcaster.

It added:

RTÉ has been made aware of this matter, which is being dealt with by the Yorkshire Police Force in the United Kingdom.

Earlier: RTÉ staff member due in court in Leeds charged with planning to have sex with teenage girl