A Donegal man may face deportation from the U.S. after being found guilty of the attempted sexual assault of a minor.

Aengus Richard Downey, originally from Mones in Burt County Donegal, was arrested after taking part in online chats with a police detective posing as a 12-year-old girl. He was also convicted of endangering the welfare of a child.

Downey lives in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he now faces between five and ten years in prison.

During the trial the court heard that Downey sent nude photographs of himself to the undercover police officer and he made "lewd and inappropriate suggestions" during an online video chat.

Downey was found guilty on all charges, and was remanded in custody to await sentencing and possible deportation.

If he is allowed to remain in America, he will be registered as a sex offender and will be subject to 'Megan's Law' - which means that information including his name, photograph, address and the nature of his crimes will be made public.

If he is deported back to Ireland, Downey will have to inform the Irish police force that he is a registered sex offender.