A reporting restriction imposed in the case of a man accused of possessing an indecent image of a child, due to what was described as his “fragile mental health” has been dropped after medical evidence was not provided to substantiate his claims
Named as 33-year-old Ruairi Michael McGinty, whose current address remains subject to reporting restrictions, is further alleged to have had an extreme pornographic image on January 17.
A detective constable previously told Dungannon Magistrates’ Court the charges could be connected.
When the case first reached court a defence barrister requested a reporting ban due to a risk of self-harm if identified and provided some information from his GP.
The defence stressed they were aware this on its own would be insufficient but requested it was used for interim purposes in order to obtain a consultant psychiatric report.
After a number of adjournments no report was obtained and at the most recent sitting the defence accepted continuation of the order was difficult.
He requested a compromise by removing the ban on his client’s identity but keeping his current address from being disclosed at this time.
District Judge Francis Rafferty agreed and removed the order and allowed McGinty to be identified.
The matter has been listed for mention on January 8.
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