A Co Waterford man charged with possession of child pornography had his case adjourned for two weeks at Waterford District Court yesterday to allow for further directions on the case to be sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions
Mr Michael Breen (52), Meadowbrook, Tramore, is charged that on May 27th 2002 he had in his possession child pornography, including 33 images of young children, both male and female, with their genital areas exposed. Some of the children were performing sexual acts.
Mr Breen's case arises from "Operation Amethyst" on May 27th 2002, when over 500 gardaí raided more than 90 homes and businesses in a series of searches.
The Garda authorities were given the names of almost 100 suspects detected using child pornography sites which had been placed under observation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over the previous three years.
The case was left until the afternoon sitting of the court yesterday, as Mr Pat Newell, defending solicitor, said that he was not in a position to deal with it. Judge William Harnett acknowledged the time which would be needed for the case and ruled that it would not go ahead. Yesterday evening, Mr Newell sought an adjournment of the case for six weeks to allow him to deal with statements and put together his case.
Judge Harnett queried what the directions of the DPP would be in relation to jurisdiction of the matter and was informed by Supt John Shanahan that the State solicitor was dealing with the matter.