A man from Dublin who travelled to London intending to sexually abuse a child has died while serving a prison sentence, authorities have confirmed. Adrian O’Reilly, 51, died on 16 February at HMP Littlehey, a prison in Cambridgeshire. He had been serving a sentence of six years and nine months after admitting a child sex offence.
Police first became aware of O’Reilly in January 2023 during an online investigation. Officers monitoring internet activity encountered him exchanging messages with a detective who was posing as another user. During the conversations, O’Reilly allegedly described his intention to meet and abuse a young girl.
++ Trump’s use of the word “Excursion” raises eyebrows among aides and commentators
The undercover officer continued the dialogue and proposed a meeting in Stratford, east London. On 29 March 2023, O’Reilly flew from Ireland to the UK and travelled to Stratford as arranged. Upon arrival, he was arrested by police officers. Investigators said he was carrying Viagra and condoms at the time of his arrest.
++ Home Office reverses course on passport rule for some dual nationals
O’Reilly later admitted the charge of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence. In March 2024, a court sentenced him to six years and nine months in prison. Officials have confirmed that the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
