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Garda appeals child porn conviction
Summary
Joseph O'Connor, a 58‑year‑old former Garda, was convicted of possessing child pornography and sentenced to two years' imprisonment. He pleaded not guilty to five counts of possession of images and videos of children being sexually abused, with evidence seized from his home in August 2011. The material included videos of boys as young as ten and under 17, and 16 images of children exposed or abused. O'Connor was acquitted on one count but found guilty on the others. He maintains his innocence, claiming he never saw the material and that a man who visited his home days earlier corrupted his computer. He has appealed the conviction in the Court of Appeal, where the judgment is reserved. The appeal argues that the trial judge erred in rulings and that the prosecution failed to prove O'Connor knowingly possessed or deleted the material. The court will decide on the appeal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda appeals child porn conviction. Charges or matters: five counts of possessing child pornography at his home on dates between July 30 and August 2, 2011. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- July 30 Incident
- August 2, 2011 Incident
- August 2011 Incident
- February 15, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-11-18 Publication
Why: Ms Fawsitt said it was wrong to suggest there was any ulterior motive for the initial search of O'Connor's home. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: five counts of possessing child pornography at his home on dates between July 30 and August 2, 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; O'Connor was acquitted on one count, but found guilty on all other counts by a jury, before being sentenced to two years imprisonment by Judge Elma Sheahan on February 15, 2019.
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