Dad charged with possession of child abuse images
The case was heard at Athy District Court. Photo: Aisling Hyland
A MAN charged with possession of 335 files of child pornography on a computer at his home appeared at Athy District Court.
The man in his 40s is charged under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, following a raid at his address in south Kildare on 23 July 2018.
Judge Desmond Zaidan asked: “Why has it taken the State so long?”
Sergeant Dave Hanrahan explained that three warrants were issued in the case.
Outlining the details, Sergeant Hanrahan said he believed there was no need for reporting restrictions to prevent the defendant being identified, because “we can’t identify any of the victims”.
However, this was countered by defending solicitor Seamus Boyle, who pointed out that his client “lives in a small community, he has children who go to school”.
The solicitor said: "His children are innocent, their mother is innocent, caught up in this because of this man’s behaviour.
“The alleged sins of the father should not be played out on the children and I beseech the court not to publish his name.”
Judge Zaidan said he would "err on the side of caution", but added: "Look at the irony of it, though, 335 files is at the upper end of child pornography.”
The judge continued: “I have to question whether I have the right to deal with this man. But these children in those files have a right to at least some justice. I’ll use my discretion to see if this man wants to go forward for trial (plead not guilty).
“I’ll put restrictions in place but, if this man is convicted, the psychological effect on his children …,” the judge trailed off, before remanding the man on continuing bail until 27 May.
