Sharon not in court as man is charged with harassing her
Dublin man, 40, also accused of possessing child porn images
A DUBLIN man is to stand trial for allegedly harassing RTÉ’s Sharon Ní Bheoláin, and possession of child pornography.
Conor O’Hora, 40, was charged yesterday morning with three offences.
He is accused of harassment of the Six One news co-anchor at various locations from October 20, 2013 until February 16, 2014.
Mr O’Hora also faces two other charges of possessing child pornography in text communications and images over the same time period.
He was remanded on bail pending the preparation of a book of evidence.
Mr O’Hora appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday afternoon before Judge Michael Walsh, who was told the man was arrested and charged by gardaí at Infirmary Road in the capital.
Judge Walsh heard that ‘in reply to the charge after caution, the accused had nothing to say and was handed a copy of the three charges’.
Judge Walsh was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that Mr O’Hora face trial on indictment. This means a trial before a circuit court judge and a jury.
The DPP will also accept a signed plea of guilty in the district court, and the accused will be sent forward for sentence if that arises.
However, Mr O’Hora, who has an address at Heather Walk, Portmarnock, Dublin, has not yet indicated how he will plead.
There was no Garda objection to him being granted bail, subject to him residing at his present address and having no contact with anyone involved in the investigation.
Judge Walsh remanded Mr O’Hora – who was granted free legal aid – on bail in his own bond of €1,000 to appear in court on December 1 next, when he is expected to be served with a book of evidence and returned for trial.
Mr O’Hora, dressed in a grey jumper and black trousers, was warned that he must commit no offence, reside at his address and notify gardaí in the event of any change.
He was told he must have no contact ‘directly or indirectly’ with Ms Ní Bheoláin or others involved in the investigation.
In relation to the charges involving children, the judge said there were the usual reporting restrictions, but otherwise the case would be treated like any other.
Ms Ní Bheoláin was not present at the proceedings.
Remanded on bail of €1,000