50 year old garda charged with having 655 child sex pics

paddy147

50 year old garda charged in Blanchardstown today with having loads of child sex pics and videos.......655 pics/videos to be exact

He asked for free legal aid and got it too.
Isnt free legal aid for people with no source of an income??


He also somehow got a media ban on the court case.


http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/garda-charged-with-possession-of-655-images-of-child-sexual-abuse-1.1514919

KwackerJack

I was in Kilcock Court this morning and a man was being question over child porn?

Surely its a higher matter than a district court??

Sir Humphrey Appleby

paddy147 wrote: »

50 year old garda charged in Blanchardstown today with having loads of child sex pics and videos.......655 pics/videos to be exact

He asked for free legal aid and got it too.
Isnt free legal aid for people with no source of an income??


He also somehow got a media ban on the court case.


http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/garda-charged-with-possession-of-655-images-of-child-sexual-abuse-1.1514919

No, Free Legal Aid is for those who can display an income insufficient to cover the costs of their defence.

wazky

Was there a reason given for the media ban?

paddy147

Sir Humphrey Appleby wrote: »

No, Free Legal Aid is for those who can display an income insufficient to cover the costs of their defence.

So what would his salary be after 30 years service then I wonder??

Sir Humphrey Appleby

KwackerJack wrote: »

I was in Kilcock Court this morning and a man was being question over child porn?

Surely its a higher matter than a district court??

the initial charge is always in a District Court, Jurisdiction is then passed to higher Court once the District Court is satisfied that there is a case to answer.

Sir Humphrey Appleby

paddy147 wrote: »

So what would his salary be after 30 years service then I wonder??

His salary would not be the issue, it is his means after he pays mortgage, maintenance (if appropriate) etc.
FLA has to be certified by the Judge after he is shown a statement of means.

Johro

paddy147 wrote: »

So what would his salary be after 30 years service then I wonder??

Most likely not as much as his legal costs will amount to.

paddy147

Why the media reporting ban then??

Johro

Pretty disturbing all the same. Makes ya wonder what kind of access his job gave him.

Sir Humphrey Appleby

paddy147 wrote: »

Why the media reporting ban then??

That's not that unusual in a case such as this, though it can be challenged.

tayto lover

Fair play to the Garda who caught this creep. They must have been watching him. Hope he does time.

paddy147

Sir Humphrey Appleby wrote: »

That's not that unusual in a case such as this, though it can be challenged.

But what is the reason for a media reporting ban??

Is it "cause hes a garda"????

Sir Humphrey Appleby

tayto lover wrote: »

Fair play to the Garda who caught this creep. They must have been watching him. Hope he does time.

Any chance of you allowing him a trial first? ya know just for the show of it:rolleyes:

Sir Humphrey Appleby

paddy147 wrote: »

But what is the reason for a media reporting ban??

Is it "cause hes a garda"????

Because it is a case of a sexual nature.

wazky

Sir Humphrey Appleby wrote: »

Any chance of you allowing him a trial first? ya know just for the show of it:rolleyes:

Maybe he was holding onto the pics "for a friend"?

Sir Humphrey Appleby

wazky wrote: »

Maybe he was holding onto the pics "for a friend"?

No idea, but then again I haven't heard the evidence.Have you?

Johro

The article:

A serving member of An Garda Síochana has appeared in court charged with possession of more than 650 images and video clips of child sexual abuse.
The Garda, who has more than 30 years service in the force, cannot be named after Dublin District Court imposed reporting restrictions preventing the suspect from being identified.
He appeared before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown court house, his second appearance before the courts on the charge. His first appearance went unnoticed by the media.
The garda, who is based at a Dublin station and lives in the Leinster area, is charged with possession of 655 images and video clips of children being sexually abused.
The charges relate to possessing the images at an address than cannot be disclosed because of the reporting restrictions, between July 30th and August 2nd, 2011.
He has been suspended from duty and is still in receipt of his Garda salary.
The court heard he had a mortgage and was struggling financially, with Judge McHugh granting a request from the suspect’s solicitor Dara Robinson for free legal aid.
The garda was remanded on continuing bail, with the reporting restrictions from his first appearance extended. He will appear before the court again next month.

wazky

Sir Humphrey Appleby wrote: »

No idea, but then again I haven't heard the evidence.Have you?

Says charged on the possession of 600 child sex pics.

Now if they actually found him in the possession of said pics, he hasn't got much of a case really, has he?

cml387

I can fully understand the reporting restrictions if the case will involve a minor who may have to give evidence.

As evidence here is photographs which only the jury will see, I wonder at the reporting restrictions.

Billy86

tayto lover wrote: »

Fair play to the Garda who caught this creep. They must have been watching him. Hope he does time.

A (I assume now ex-)Gard and sex offender with child pornography all in one? Other inmates will have an absolute field day with him.

If he is guilty, I hope they enjoy themselves with him inside.

Son Of A Vidic

paddy147 wrote: »

50 year old garda charged with having 655 child sex pics

Surprised they didn't accidentally on purpose, put the wrong date on his warrant. Oh wait, that's only reserved for pedo's in the Judiciary

keith16

"Female Cyclist Dies"

AH Response: What has her being female got to do with it?

"Cancer Patient gets locked in luggage compartment of bus"

AH Response: What the hell has her having cancer got to do with it?

"GARDA found with child porn"

AH Response: Pfft....why has he got free legal aid, he's a GARDA. Why is there a media blackout? Prolly cos he's a GARDA. Why can't we burn him at the stake now? Ah shure, he's a GARDA.

cml387

keith16 wrote: »

"Female Cyclist Dies"

AH Response: What has her being female got to do with it?

"Cancer Patient gets locked in luggage compartment of bus"

AH Response: What the hell has her having cancer got to do with it?

"GARDA found with child porn"

AH Response: Pfft....why has he got free legal aid, he's a GARDA. Why is there a media blackout? Prolly cos he's a GARDA. Why can't we burn him at the stake now? Ah shure, he's a GARDA.

Only the suspicion that, given previous examples of how the "establishment" protected it's own, there might be the outside possibility that preferential treatment may be a factor here. Only for discussion purposes you understand.

tayto lover

keith16 wrote: »

"Female Cyclist Dies"

AH Response: What has her being female got to do with it?

"Cancer Patient gets locked in luggage compartment of bus"

AH Response: What the hell has her having cancer got to do with it?

"GARDA found with child porn"

AH Response: Pfft....why has he got free legal aid, he's a GARDA. Why is there a media blackout? Prolly cos he's a GARDA. Why can't we burn him at the stake now? Ah shure, he's a GARDA.

I actually praised the Garda who caught him and i'm not anti-Garda at all.
I do find it hard to think of a legitimate excuse for having child porn and in huge quantities in your own home or anywhere else for that matter.

Sir Humphrey Appleby

tayto lover wrote: »

I actually praised the Garda who caught him and i'm not anti-Garda at all.
I do find it hard to think of a legitimate excuse for having child porn and in huge quantities in your own home or anywhere else for that matter.

Whether he actually was in possession of it remains to be proved.

wazky

Sir Humphrey Appleby wrote: »

Whether he actually was in possession of it remains to be proved.

The article says the images were at his address (which cannot be disclosed), no idea if he has a family or who he lives with but doesn't look good for him.

Sir Humphrey Appleby

cml387 wrote: »

Only the suspicion that, given previous examples of how the "establishment" protected it's own, there might be the outside possibility that preferential treatment may be a factor here. Only for discussion purposes you understand.

Numerous Gardaí have been charged, convicted, and imprisoned including for child sex offences.
Google Sergeant Kieran O'Halloran.

vicwatson

tayto lover wrote: »

I actually praised the Garda who caught him and i'm not anti-Garda at all.
I do find it hard to think of a legitimate excuse for having child porn and in huge quantities in your own home or anywhere else for that matter.

And on RTE 1 as we speak - a programme dedicated to Myrtle Allen (mother of Tim Allen), yes ladies and gentlemen the love between RTE and Ballymaloe has not faded 1 iota

This is from 10 years ago, yet it could read like what that Garda's is accused of...except in Tim Allen's case it was 977 pornographic images of children......www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/shameful-truth-that-lay-behind-ballymaloes-wholesome-image-26228305.html

Sir Humphrey Appleby

vicwatson wrote: »

And on RTE 1 as we speak - a programme dedicated to Myrtle Allen (mother of Tim Allen), yes ladies and gentlemen the love between RTE and Ballymaloe has not faded 1 iota

This is from 10 years ago, yet it could read like what that Garda's is accused of...except in Tim Allen's case it was 977 pornographic images of children......www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/shameful-truth-that-lay-behind-ballymaloes-wholesome-image-26228305.html

And you believe that Myrtle should be punished for Tim's crimes, ehm novel idea.

tayto lover

Sir Humphrey Appleby wrote: »

And you believe that Myrtle should be punished for Tim's crimes, ehm novel idea.

I believe Vic's complaint was that Mr Allen did no time and got off lightly with a fine. I found that hard to stomach too.

vicwatson

Sir Humphrey Appleby wrote: »

And you believe that Myrtle should be punished for Tim's crimes, ehm novel idea.

I believe Ballymaloe should not be promoted by RTE in any way, shape or form, yes. (they happen to be a private company, I know 1000's of companies in Ireland that don't get the free advertising/free promotion that Ballymaloe and the Allen family get from RTE)

Don't forget "Darina" stood by her man. Puke.

vicwatson

tayto lover wrote: »

I believe Vic's complaint was that Mr Allen did no time and got off lightly with a fine. I found that hard to stomach too.

A fine of 40k to be given to an, wait for it, Indian childrens charity !!!!! Only in Ireland

camphor

Sir Humphrey Appleby wrote: »

And you believe that Myrtle should be punished for Tim's crimes, ehm novel idea.

Not a novel idea at all. Under Brehon law the whole family was responsible for the crimes of a wrongdoer and had to make amends.

Hootanany

I watch none of the Allens programes including Racheal, and do not eat Cully & Sully products all from the same loins.

ArmaniJeanss

He was told the case would be dealt with by the district court, where penalties are less severe, if he pleads guilty to the charges.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0903/471946-garda-court-blanchardstown/
Not sure I like this from the DPP, getting dangerously close to the rather abhorrent plea bargain system in America.

**
It does however indicate that the images are likely not at the worst end of the spectrum.

JustAThought

ArmaniJeanss wrote: »

He was told the case would be dealt with by the district court, where penalties are less severe, if he pleads guilty to the charges.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0903/471946-garda-court-blanchardstown/
Not sure I like this from the DPP, getting dangerously close to the rather abhorrent plea bargain system in America.

**
It does however indicate that the images are likely not at the worst end of the spectrum.

Worst end of the spectrum - rape & sexual assaults of the most vile kinds on children?

Ffs

At NO point should this be " more "acceptable". This is little children's innocence we are talking about.

There is a convicted paedophile in the Darina Allen household-I was sick as I watched this advertising of the family business on n rte tonight. Why are our taxes being used to promote this convicted paedophiles b&b business , where they were advertising a playground in the gardens to attract families in recent advertising in the uk.

would you like your niece/nephew , son/daughter " exposed" to any of this?
What degree of pedophilia do you find " not so bad".

There are monsters amongst us.

Earthwalker

JustAThought wrote: »

There are monsters amongst us.

Indeed and some of them can even disguise themselves as schools.

Caonima

Very bad lieutenant

downonthefarm

dirt piggie,hope he gets slashed in jail

Billy86

Earthwalker wrote: »

Indeed and some of them can even disguise themselves as schools.

That guy really is a shit.

onemorechance

Sir Humphrey Appleby wrote: »

No, Free Legal Aid is for those who can display an income insufficient to cover the costs of their defence.

Surely everyone should be entitled to free legal aid if they are charged with a crime. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, so I don't see why anyone who is innocent should be made to pay for their defence, whether they can afford it or not.

Those who are found guilty should have their resources used to cover costs of their defence.

B.A._Baracus

Some chat about "innocent until proven guilty" in this thread so far and being honest it really annoys me.

Now every case is different and alot of the time it's good to have the mentality of "innocent until proven guilty" - Because when there are no facts or evidence present. It's logical to keep an open mind.

But let's take this topic. A member of the garda was found with 655 images & videos on his pc. In order to maintain the mentality of "innocent until proven guilty" in this case you are accepting external forces at play. But what external forces?

It wasn't him, it was his wife? ... It wasnt him, it was his son? ... it wasnt him, it was his neighbour? .... or perhaps it was someone he worked with who hated him and framed him!? :rolleyes:

Reality is that the Gardai investigating him felt pretty sure to bring him to court.

just_be_nice

"there are no facts or evidence present"; this doesn't make sense.

I don't see how the guards could ever lay charges if "there are no facts or evidence present".

Royal Irish

I wouldn't be one bit surprised if a mistake was made with the search warrant like that Judge Curtin.

just_be_nice

Royal Irish wrote: »

I wouldn't be one bit surprised if a mistake was made with the search warrant like that Judge Curtin.

I'm guessing they probably would have found it by now; it was his second time in court.

I wonder were any guards disciplined over that? It was such a silly mistake that it does not seem like it was a mistake.

Seany81

whats happening to this country you cant even trust the cops

Nemeses

onemorechance wrote: »

Surely everyone should be entitled to free legal aid if they are charged with a crime. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, so I don't see why anyone who is innocent should be made to pay for their defence, whether they can afford it or not.

Except for Gardai, They are guilty until proven innocent.

Caonima

Seany81 wrote: »

whats happening to this country you cant even trust the cops

20 years ago, we said this about the clergy

camphor

B.A._Baracus wrote: »

But let's take this topic. A member of the garda was found with 655 images & videos on his pc. In order to maintain the mentality of "innocent until proven guilty" in this case you are accepting external forces at play. But what external forces?

A member of the garda was allegedly found with 655 images & videos on his pc.

No evidence has yet been put before the court of
1. there was a PC;
2. there were images and videos on it;
3. that it was in the possession of the accused individual;

The same individual has not as yet had an opportunity to put an explanation.

Many people are charged by the guards and found not guilty. rarely are charges proceeded with when the guards do no think there is a strong chance of success.


Keeping an open mind means waiting until there is evidence led and hearing any explanation proffered before reaching a conclusion.

kerry4sam

While the latest with this and the Donegal Garda facing dismissal for assault right here; jeez I don't re-call these headlines or anything of the sort during the terms of Commissioner Fachtna Murphy.

Discipline in An Garda Síochána by full-time members leaves a lot to be desired in my eyes. Was it always this way during Commissioner Murphys reign, just never highlighted or brought to the fore by the media, or is their just too much free-reign by those who prosecute and have the contacts within the force to do what they like.

I am just confused and angry with this organisation! Nothing like I would have thought or expected