ISPCC concerned about implications for forthcoming cases

Reaction: The chief executive of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has expressed concern about the possible implications of yesterday's ruling for similar cases before the courts.

Mr Paul Gilligan said it would be "very serious" if other search warrants issued under Operation Amethyst in May 2002 proved to be flawed.

While he said the ISPCC accepted the judgment in the Judge Brian Curtin trial, it was seeking an inquiry "into the reported serious errors made in the investigation and prosecution of alleged possession of child pornography.

"The ISPCC is dismayed and appalled that such basic errors could be made."

He added: "We would be very concerned that similar errors could have been made in other cases.

"Viewing or purchasing child pornography supports and reinforces child abuse and undoubtedly contributes to the continued abuse of children. It is therefore imperative that investigations and prosecutions into any alleged offences of this kind are conducted in a comprehensive, competent manner to ensure the safety of children and that there is the opportunity for those wrongly accused to defend themselves."

The Labour Party spokesman on justice, Mr Joe Costello, described the collapse of Judge Curtin's trial as a "very serious development that will cause considerable public disquiet. It is incredible that such a serious case involving a member of the judiciary should have foundered on an error as fundamental as an out-of-date arrest warrant.

"There are serious questions here for both the gardaí and the prosecution service. The public will want to know how such a fundamental error was allowed to happen and how it was that the error in the warrant was not spotted for almost two years."

A spokesman for the Garda said it accepted the judgment and was now studying what implications it had for its operations.