Judge replies after porn acquittal

Judge Curtin has reportedly written to the government

An Irish judge acquitted of having child pornography after the case against him collapsed is said to have given his version of events to the government.

Judge Brian Curtin was asked by the Irish Government 10 days ago to explain his conduct after he was acquitted of having child pornography on his computer last month.

He was found not guilty after it was revealed in court that the search warrant used by police had expired.

The Irish Government also asked Judge Curtin to account for his credit card transactions.

It is reported that the government has now received his reply but that the judge's letter contains neither the comprehensive explanation which had been sought, nor any indication that he intended to resign.

The circuit court judge's written reply was reportedly received four days ahead of schedule.

The BBC's Dublin Correspondent Shane Harrison said: "The judge, who was acquitted after a garda search warrant was ruled out of date, believes he is an innocent man.

"Others are of the view that he got off on a technicality.

"On Tuesday, the cabinet will again discuss the issue and it now seems a move to impeach Brian Curtin is more likely - something that has never before happened to a judge".