Kieran Creaven, the RTE televistion sports producer, today pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to grooming and trying to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
Creaven was arrested last month after travelling to England to meet what he was led to believe was a 13-year-old girl.
The meeting had been set up by the group Predators Exposed, a group set up to expose peadophiles by carrying out stings, and the their video was widely shared on social media.
The defendant was remanded on bail after pleading guilty and will be sentenced on 12 February.
Creaven, originally from Galway, was a long time producer and programme editor for RTE Sport and was involved in the coverage of the Olympics, as well as a various other sporting events.
An employee of RTE for over 19 years, it was reported by The Sun last month that he earns upwards of €100,000 per year in his role with the national broadcaster. He was suspended by RTE after his arrest in November.
While the current charges are in an English court, The Irish Times reported last month that Gardaí are also investigating Creaven, and will examine his internet and travel history.
