Shock over probe into abuse pics

THE disclosure that 31 homes have been raided as part of an investigation into the distribution of child abuse images will shock every parent in the country.

The scale of the raids as part of Operation Ketch is an indication of just how widespread this appalling trade is here and across Europe.

Gardai said the operation sets out to target people suspected of possessing and distributing child exploitation images.

As well as bringing charges, officers have rightly said their first priority is to try to identify children in the images as they are almost certainly still in danger.

While the gardai are doing everything possible to apprehend those involved in this dreadful trade the same cannot be said for the Irish justice system.

It is extremely rare for those caught in possession of shocking images and videos of children being abused to receive a jail term with the normal punishment being a suspended sentence.

Indeed in recent months the courts have seen individuals offering to plead guilty to such offences in this country rather than be extradited as they knew they will receive a much lesser sentence here.

While it is disappointing that no arrests were made it is hoped that the evidence gleaned from the computers, phones and other equipment seized will lead to prosecutions.