A man appeared before Letterkenny District Court yesterday on a child pornography charge.
Mr Paul McDaid, of College Park, Letterkenny, was charged that on May 27th he had in his possession child pornography contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. He is a former priest who subsequently worked with the local health board. In court yesterday he was described as unemployed.
His solicitor, Mr Kieran Dillon, asked the judge, Mr John O'Donnell, if the Director of Public Prosecutions had given his consent for the summary disposal of the matter. Insp Michael Finan said they were still awaiting his instructions and applied to have the matter adjourned until March 4th
Mr Dillon expressed concern about the amount of publicity the case had already received. However, the judge ruled this was not a matter that could be held in camera or one where he could make a publication order.
Mr Dillon argued the matter was tied in with the Sex Offenders Act and publicity would be damaging if any of the injured parties were local. Mr Dillon said none had been mentioned and he was making no order on the matter.
Mr Dillon pointed out this could prejudice the judge, to which Judge O'Donnell replied that if that proved to be the case he would discharge himself from the proceedings.
Mr Dillon also tendered an application for legal aid, saying his client was unemployed. His application was granted. However, Judge O'Donnell said he would make no order until he knew the DPP's attitude and adjourned the case.