A defrocked priest accused of possessing thousands of pornographic images of children was served with a book of evidence today and sent forward for trial before a judge and jury.
Oliver O’Grady (aged 65), formerly of Charlemont Street, in Dublin 2, but who is now residing at an address in Ranelagh Village, in Dublin, had been arrested on December 10 last and charged with possessing child pornography.
Later, three further charges were brought against him for allegedly possessing and importation of child pornography at Dublin Airport on February 15 last year and possession of child pornography at a storage unit in Tallaght, on December 10 last.
He had been remanded on bail and made his sixth appearance at Dublin District Court today where he was served with a book of evidence by Detective Garda Johanna Doyle.
One charge was amended to include the words “two USB keys” and “contain images, videos and text”. A further amendment was made for the charge to read that the defendant was also known as Francis O’Grady.
Judge William Early heard that the DPP had directed that the case should be returned for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The judge granted legal aid to the defendant and notified him that should he intend to rely on an alibi as part of his defence, he must notify the State within 14 days. Mr O’Grady spoke briefly during the case to confirm he understood.
Judge Early then made an order sending him forward for trial.
The defendant was remanded on bail in his own bond of €500, and ordered to sign on twice daily at Pearse St garda station in Dublin, to reside at his current address and to give gardaí 48 hours advance notice if he intended to move.
Mr O’Grady, who has already surrendered his passport, was also ordered “not to apply for duplicate travel documents”.
Previously, the court had heard that the defendant had lived at various addresses in Ireland since he was deported from the United States, in 2001. He rented a lock-up facility and a postbox to store his personal belongings.
Det garda Doyle had told the court earlier: “We are talking about thousands upon thousands of images of child pornography…children from the age of two and three up to teenage boys and girls.”