A man has appeared in court accused of possession of thousands of child pornography images and videos as we as the distribution of child pornography.
The man in his 60s, from a rural area in Munster, was arrested on Monday under the provisions of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998, charged that night at his local Garda station and brought before the district court this afternoon.
He’s facing four counts of possessing child pornography and one of distribution – he made no reply when charged and cautioned.
The court heard he’s accused of having over 8,000 child pornography images, over 4,000 of which were unique images as well as over 4,500 child pornography videos on a computer terminal and hard drive when his home was searched in June of 2013.
Gardai objected to bail citing grave concerns the man would reoffend, the seriousness of the charges and the potential prison sentences in the event of a conviction.
The accused’s solicitor said there was no question that his client was a “flight risk” and would give up his passport to Gardaí.
The judge fixed bail at €15,000 of the man’s own bond with €10,000 of this to be lodged in court- he was also ordered to remain at his given address, sign on twice daily at his local Garda station and have no access to any computer, smartphone or other device with internet access.
