Journalist avoids prison over child porn images

A JOURNALIST has avoided a prison sentence after admitting possession of child porn.

‘Irish Examiner’ and ‘Evening Echo’ production journalist Des Breen (52) was given a two-year suspended prison sentence before Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Breen, with an address at Calderwood Road, Donnybrook, Douglas, Co Cork, pleaded guilty last year to a single charge of possession of child pornography.

The defendant admitted possession of 2,120 images of child pornography on his home computer between December 6, 2011, and August 3, 2012. Det Gda Aengus Cotter said Breen’s home was searched on August 3, 2012 following intelligence from Interpol.

The defendant was deeply remorseful over what had happened.

The court was told he is now suffering from early-stage Parkinson’s disease.