Corkman, 41, accused of having child abuse material

A CORK man was arrested and charged today with possession of child pornography at his home in 2018.

Detective Garda Eimear Brennan formally arrested the accused man, Cormac Walsh, aged 41, of St Finbarr’s Rd, Cork, at 10.03am at Cork District Court for the purpose of charging him.

Det Gda Brennan said that when he was cautioned after being charged, he made no reply to the single count.

The charge states that on September 28, 2018, at the defendant’s home address, he did knowingly have in his possession child pornography, namely child abuse material consisting of 14,402 images and 731 videos, stored in storage drives/facilities in several electronic devices seized at his home.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case should proceed by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The DPP also consented to any guilty plea being entered at Cork District Court for the accused to be sent forward for sentence at the circuit court.

Defence solicitor Aoife Buttimer said a book of evidence would be required in the case.

On the application of Sgt Davis, Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused on bail until March 1 for the book of evidence to be prepared.

Det Gda Brennan said there was no objection to bail, but that conditions were required. He is to sign on once a week at Anglesea Street Garda Station, reside at his home address, and notify Det Gda Brennan in writing of any change of address. Judge Dorgan said approval in writing would also be required. Also, if he intends to travel out of the jurisdiction, he must notify the detective.

The judge added the condition that he would have no contact, directly or indirectly, with any injured party. Judge Dorgan set bail at €5,000 and said no cash lodgement was required.