Rose of Tralee escort jailed over child abuse images

A FORMER Rose of Tralee escort has been jailed after he pleaded guilty to distributing extreme child abuse images.

The court heard the content distributed by Timothy Lynch, 35, included images of adults with babies.

Lynch of St Oliver’s Place, Kanturk, Co. Cork, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing and three counts of distributing child pornography from his home at Finisk, Rivervalley, Mallow, Co. Cork, in 2015.

Donal O’Sullivan, defending, said that while his client had indeed distributed images, the number of these was relatively small.

He also told Cork Circuit Criminal Court there was never any question of Lynch ever seeking money for the images, but was instead just sharing them.

Lynch had gone for counselling with Dr Gillian Moore-Groarke, who said that he was a vulnerable type of person and did not believe he was at risk of re-offending, Mr O’Sullivan told the court.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin noted Dr Moore-Groarke’s report.

He said the background and personality profile of Lynch matched many of those coming before his court on child abuse image charges – he was socially isolated and did not have romantic relations with adults.

The judge sentenced Lynch to three years in jail, but suspended the final 18 months in the light of his guilty plea and on condition he remain under supervision of the Probation Service upon his release from prison.

It was last night unclear whether Lynch was an escort for the finals of the Rose of Tralee or just the selection process.

He was previously a strong supporter of the selection process for the Cork Rose, and was photographed with several of the Cork Roses as well as joining others in cheering them on in the competition.