A 37-YEAR-OLD MAN is to face trial on multiple charges of possessing and distributing child porn.
John O’Donoghue – with an address at Lissadell Drive, Drimnagh, Dublin – was remanded on €1,000 bail today pending the preparation of a book of evidence.
He faces 26 charges under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act for alleged possession and distribution of movies, images, including CGI and hentai, of child sex abuse and child exposure on dates between 2009 and 2012 at his home address.
He appeared at Dublin District Court where evidence was given by Garda Ian Ward. He said O’Donoghue was arrested at 8.50am and charged 15 minutes later at Sundrive Road Garda Station.
Garda Ward said the accused made no reply when charged with the offences. He told Judge Michael Walsh that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the man is to face trial on indictment.
This means the case will be heard before a judge and jury in the circuit court, which has tougher sentencing powers.
Garda Ward also said the DPP consented to the accused being sent forward to that court on a “signed plea”.
The defendant, who did not address the court, has not yet indicated how he will plead.
There was no objection to bail with conditions. Defence solicitor Michael French said he had already canvassed this matter with his client.
Judge Walsh told him he must surrender his passport and not apply for new or duplicate travel documents and he must reside at his address or notify gardaí of any change.
He was ordered to appear again on a date in November to be served with a book of evidence. Legal aid was granted.
French told the court that there were “multiple dates involved in these allegations”.
Comments have been closed as the case is due before the courts.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say