Sharing Offaly murder video could land you in prison amid warning from judge

A teenage male who appeared before Tullamore District Court on Saturday night charged with the murder of Lorna Woodnutt was remanded to a detention centre.

The teenager was brought before Judge Andrew Cody shortly before 9.30pm and Detective Sergeant Caroline Lyng gave evidence of arrest charge and caution.

She told Judge Andrew Cody she had arrested the teenager at 8.20pm at Tullamore Garda station for the purpose of charge.

The court heard the teenager was charged with the murder of Lorna Woodnutt at 8.50pm and the accused made no reply when charged and cautioned.

He was remanded to Oberstown Detention Centre to appear again before Tullamore District Court next Wednesday at 10.15am.

The solicitor who appeared for the accused, Aisling Maloney, asked that reporting restrictions be imposed.

Judge Cody said the deceased had already been identified but expressed concerns that the accused could be identified by innuendo contained in some reporting.

He also queried whether a video in circulation pertaining to the case contained content that could lead to the identification of the accused.

After he was told this was possible, he rose for five minutes to consider the issue of reporting restriction.

On his return he noted that reporting restriction under Section 93 of the Children’s Act already applied to the case.

He said these reporting restrictions extend beyond newspapers, sound and television broadcasts to cover any communication to the public at large… and so to information posted on social media sites.

He said: “It is clear that An Garda Siochana are concerned about the circulation of a video connected to this incident.

“A video is specifically covered by the reporting restrictions that apply to this case.

“I am told that this video potentially identifies the child in this case and I would remind all citizens, young and old, that the sharing of this video is a criminal offence that carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and a fine of over €12,000.

“I have also been advised that the video is graphic to such an extent that it may cause harm to those who may view it … particularly any children.

“I would therefore urge all adults and parents of children who may possess this video to ensure it is deleted and without further delay and ensure it is not circulated any further.”

The murder charge follows the discovery of a body of a woman at her home in Offaly on Friday.