Kildare man charged with possession of child abuse images
The case was heard at Athy District Court Photo: Aisling Hyland
A man charged with the possession of 335 files of child pornography on a computer at an address in south Kildare appeared.
The man in his 40s is charged under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, following a raid at his address on 23 July 2018.
Outlining the facts to Athy District Court, Sergeant Dave Hanrahan believed there was no need for reporting restrictions because “we can’t identify any of the victims”.
However, this was countered by defending solicitor Seamus Boyle, who pointed out “he lives in a small community, he has children who go to school.
"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,” he added.
“I’ll err on the side of caution,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan reluctantly.
“Look at the irony of it, though, 335 files is at the upper end of child pornography,” he said.
Also, after learning when the raid on the man’s home that uncovered the child porn took place, he asked: “why has it taken the state so long?”
“Three warrants, judge,” said the sergeant.
“I have to question whether I have the right to deal with this man,” said the judge.
“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.
