Book of evidence deadline for garda’s child porn trial

The State has been allowed 7 weeks to complete preparing a book of evidence in the case of a garda awaiting trial for allegedly possessing child porn images and movies.

Joe O’Connor, 53, who is stationed in Dublin city but suspended, is accused of possession of 655 child abuse images at his west Dublin home between July 30 and Aug 2, 2011. He denies the charges.

It is alleged he had 92 images of child explicit sex, 136 images of child exposure, 85 movies of child explicit sex, one movie file of child exposure and 341 other computer graphic images of child porn.

Earlier this month, defence solicitor Matthew Kenny told Blanchardstown District Court his client would be pleading not guilty.

This mean that the case, once a book of evidence has been prepared, will go forward for trial before a judge and jury at the Circuit Court.

Yesterday the officer appeared again at Blanchardstown District Court where Judge David McHugh was told the book of evidence was not yet ready to be served on Garda O’Connor.

The officer was remanded on continuing bail to appear again in December.