Man charged with harassing RTÉ news anchor Ní Bheoláin
A MAN has been charged with harassing RTÉ news presenter Sharon Ní Bheoláin and possession of child pornography.
Conor O’Hora (40) appeared in court accused of harassing the newsreader over several months three years ago, as well as two counts of having child pornography “images and text conversations”.
He is facing trial on the charges, and his case was adjourned for the preparation of a book of evidence.
Judge Michael Walsh granted him bail subject to conditions after hearing there were no Garda objections.
Mr O’Hora, with an address at Heather Walk, Portmarnock, Dublin, is charged with one count of harassing Ms Ní Bheoláin on dates between October 20, 2013, and February 16, 2014.
He is also charged with possessing text conversations and images of child pornography on the same dates.
Garda Sergeant Padraic Hanley told the court he arrested the accused at Infirmary Road near the Criminal Courts of Justice at 10.37am.
“In relation to all charges after caution, the accused had nothing to say,” he said.
The court heard the DPP had directed trial on indictment on all charges, but a signed plea of guilty would be accepted in the District Court if that arises.
Mr O’Hora has not yet indicated how he intends to plead.
Judge Walsh granted bail in the accused’s own bond of €1,000 with no cash lodgement required.
Conditions are that the accused continues to reside at his home address, notifies gardaí of any change of address, and has no contact directly or indirectly with anyone involved in the investigation.
He must also keep the peace and be of good behaviour, the judge said. The judge granted free legal aid after Mr O’Hora’s solicitor Philip Hannon handed a statement of the accused’s financial means in to court.
Judge Walsh read the bail conditions to the defendant and asked: “Are you going to give me an undertaking to do that?”
“I am, your honour,” he replied.
The judge adjourned the case to December 1, for the preparation of a book of evidence.
He told Mr Hannon the usual reporting restrictions applied in relation to children, and “otherwise, the matter will be treated like any other case”.