Courts / Dublin / Report
Garda irritated at trial delay for possessing child porn
Summary
Joe O'Connor, a 53‑year‑old Garda stationed at a city‑centre station, faces trial for possessing 655 child‑abuse images and movies at his west Dublin home between 30 July and 2 August 2011. The charges, under section 6(1) of the Child Trafficking Act 1998, include 92 images of child explicit sex, 136 images of child exposure, 85 movies of child explicit sex, one movie of child exposure and 341 other computer‑graphic images. He denies the allegations. In October Judge David McHugh heard that O'Connor would plead not guilty, meaning the case will proceed to trial before a judge and jury at the Circuit Court, where penalties are harsher. The book of evidence has not yet been served; the officer is remanded on continuing bail for another five weeks while the evidence is prepared. He has legal aid and a substantial mortgage, and his case was previously subject to reporting restrictions that were lifted on 1 October.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda irritated at trial delay for possessing child porn. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 30 July Incident
- 2 August 2011 Incident
- October 1 Adjournment
- 2013-12-17 Publication
Why: A state solicitor explained that the case involved several statements and the latest had been received on Monday. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Outcome: This mean that the case, once a book of evidence has been prepared, will go forward for trial before a judge and jury at the Circuit Court, which can, on conviction, impose lengthier sentences.; The officer was remanded on continuing bail for another five weeks when it is expected that he will be served with a book of evidence and returned for trial.
Places mentioned
- city-centre garda station
- Blanchardstown
- Blanchardstown District Court
Topics
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