Kildare man sent forward for trial over alleged child sex abuse material offences

A man accused of possessing and distributing child sex abuse materials (also known as ‘child pornography’) has had his case sent forward for trial.

The allegations relate to Alan Elliot, with an address listed as 3180 CityArk Aparthotel, Garter Lane in Saggart, County Dublin.

Specifically, the 49-year-old stands accused of one charge of possession of said materials, and eleven counts of distribution of these materials.

Gardaí told Judge Desmond Zaidan that they received a tip about the accused from a Child Exploitation Unit.

This led to a search being conducted on a County Kildare property on December 18, 2021, in which a number of phones allegedly belonging to Mr Elliot were seized.

Garda Sergeant Brian Jacob told Judge Zaidan that most of the alleged injured parties were estimated to be between 12 and 15 years of age, but he noted that one video allegedly showed a man engaging in a sex act involving a child.

Although defending barrister Mark Gibbons asked for reporting restrictions to be imposed on the case, Judge Zaidan said that he would decline, and argued that there is no risk that the alleged injured parties could be identified if Mr Elliot was named.

When Mr Gibbons pointed out that Mr Elliot has a wife and children, and that reporting restrictions were previously applied in the case by a different judge, Judge Zaidan said: "I can see where you are coming from, but the bottom line is this: I have every right to reconsider the order."

The judge also stressed that Mr Elliot is entitled to the presumption of innocence while the case unfolds.

Judge Zaidan explained: "The purpose of reporting restrictions is to protect the identifies of alleged victims, not the suspect; I have no issues with the defendant being named by the press, so long as they respect the presumption of innocence afforded to Mr Elliot."

After a book of evidence was served by gardaí on the accused, Judge Zaidan sent him forward for trial to the next sittings of Naas Circuit Criminal Court, beginning on October 3.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact: One in Four (oneinfour.ie), Rape Crisis Helpline (1800-778888), the Samaritans (116123 or [email protected]) and HSE counselling services (1800-235234)