An employee at Garda Headquarters who admitted possessing child pornography has lost a High Court bid to save his job.

Anthony Purdy was a civilian clerical officer in the finger print section of the Gardai. He had sought to quash the decision to fire him.

He worked at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park but in 2010 he admitted possessing child pornography. He also paid a contribution of €2,500 to the Rape Crisis Centre.

In August 2011 the Garda Commissioner dismissed him from his job saying he could not allow this type of conduct and his position was untenable. The Civil Service Disciplinary Code Appeal Board found the dismissal was too severe but Commissioner Martin Callinan stood by his decision.

Today Mr. Justice Nicholas Kearns yesterday ruled fair procedures were complied with.

The Judge noted that Mr. Purdy could still go to the Employment Appeals Tribunal if he wanted to bring a further challenge.