A WEXFORD man was served with the Book of Evidence at Wexford District Court last Monday, December 7th, and an order was made sending him forward for trial on child pornography charges.
Éanna McKenna of 37 College Green, Wexford, will face a trial during the next sitting of Wexford Circuit Court in the new year.
McKenna is charged with offences against sections three, four and six of the Child Pornography Act on dates between November 26th 2010 and March 13th 2011 at 37 College Green, Summerhill, Wexford.
On June 12th 2011 he is charged with possession of child pornography at the same address.
Garda Paul Doyle of Wexford Garda Station told the court that he served the defendant with the Book of Evidence that morning.
Garda sergeant Gary Rayner said that the Director of Public Prosecutions had given consent to the defendant being sent forward to the next sitting of Wexford Circuit Court.
No objection to bail was made.
Judge Gerard Haughton stated to the court that he was making an order to send him forward for trial on each of the two charges and set bail at €500 and a surety of €500.
The defendant’s mother Maura McKenna was assigned as surety.
Defence solicitor Eadaoin Lawlor made an application for legal aid and handed in a statement of means to the court.
Judge Gerard Haughton asked “what if any equity is there in the house?”
The court heard that the house was valued at approximately €170,000 and the outstanding balance on the defendant’s mortgage was €150,000.
Legal aid was granted on this basis.
Ms Lawlor also sought approval for a senior counsel, but this request was declined because the judge indicated that it was “not a hugely extensive” Book of Evidence.
One counsel was approved to defend the case.

Eanna McKenna arrives at court. Pic: Christy Farrell