This article is from page 13 of the 2013-09-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
TWO Clare men have appeared in court charged separately with possession of child pornography.
Both men are charged with offences under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1988. The alleged offences are alleged to have been committed in two different parts of the county.
A 33-year-old man is charged that on June 28, 2013, at a location in County Clare he did knowingly have in his possession child pornography featuring naked male images.
He was previously brought before Kilrush District Court before making his serious court appearance at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that gardaí are awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Defence solicitor William Cahir said his client was reserving his position with respect to bail. Judge Patrick Durcan granted a State application to change the date of the alleged offence on the charge sheet. Mr Cahir did not consent to the application. The man was remanded in custody to appear again at Ennis District Court on October 2.
Reporting restrictions have previously been placed on the case. Superintendent Seamus Nolan (Kilrush Garda Station) previously requested that the court impose reporting restrictions. He said the investigation is ongoing and to identify the accused or the location of the offence would impede the investigation.
Separately, a 48-year-old Clare man has appeared in court, charged with possession of images of child pornography.
It is alleged that the man, on dates unknown in September 2009 in an area of Clare, did knowingly have in his possession child pornography, to wit, five images of a child under the age of 17, engaged in illicit sexual activity or witness to illicit sexual activity. Detective Garda Frank Browne gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that a Book of Evidence is being prepared in the matter. He said the Book would be ready for service by October 16. Legal aid was approved for solicitor Daragh Hassett.
Judge Patrick Durcan granted Mr Hassett’s request for reporting restrictions to be placed on the case.