Garda to be tried in Circuit Court

A DISTRICT COURT judge yesterday refused jurisdiction in a case of a garda accused of viewing child pornography, arguing that having images of the sexual exploitation of children was not a minor offence.

Judge William Early, after viewing images found on two computers, one at garda headquarters, ruled the garda, who cannot be named following a banning order last week, should be tried in the Circuit Court.

The garda, charged under Section 6 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, is accused of having the images of boys aged between eight and in their teens on two computers at his Phoenix Park workplace and at his home.