Man pleads guilty to child porn charges

A GUILTY plea of possession of child pornography at a house in Ardamine was entered at Gorey District Court last week by 30-year-old David McGrath, with a current address of 95 Woodford, Brewery Road, Stillorgan, Dublin.

He was charged with possession of child pornography, namely, an image of a sex act concerning a child, at 43 Seaview, Ardamine, on May 12, 2015.

He was also charged with possession of child pornography, namely four images of child exposure.

The court was told his house was searched at 8.30 a.m. on the date in question and his laptop was seized. Five images were found.

His solicitor said her client was entering a guilty plea which saved the court’s time, and saved anyone having to look at the images.

She added that his mother died when he was young, and his father turned to alcohol. He moved out of home at 19. He got a FETAC cert and a job as a night porter, and currently works as a part-time sales attendant in the 3 Arena.

He is attending psychological services, and is making good progress, she told Judge John Cheatle. He has attended 27 sessions which have given him good insight into his offending behaviour.

She said his family are distraught, and he regrets his actions and promises he will never do this again. ‘He let himself, his family, and his community down,’ she stated. ‘He recognises the seriousness of his actions and will not re-offend.’

She said he will soon move to group therapy sessions.

Judge Cheatle acknowledged the defendant understands that there are victims who suffered for these images, and noted he is working hard to address his difficulties.

‘However, because of the seriousness of the offences, a term of imprisonment is warranted,’ he said. ‘However, I will suspend it as it is his first offence, and he is engaging with services.’

He sentenced him to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months on condition he enter into a probation supervision bond for that period.

On the second charge, he sentenced him to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months on the same conditions.