Garda sergeant pleads guilty to child pornography charge

A garda sergeant has pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to soliciting and child pornography charges.

Kieran O'Halloran, of Five Oaks, Drogheda, admitted soliciting a woman to facilitate a young child for the purpose of sexual exploitation on December 6, 2001, and knowingly having possession of child pornography at his home on December 8, 2001.

Mr Michael O'Higgins SC, for O'Halloran, told Judge Des Hogan that various reports were needed in the case and applied to adjourn the sentence hearing until after Christmas.

Judge Hogan granted the application and put sentencing O'Halloran back until January 21, 2003. Evidence of the crimes will be given at that hearing.