Gort man gets 3 year suspended sentence for possession of child pornography
Galway Bay fm newsroom - A 48 year old Gort man charged with the possession of child pornography has been given a three year suspended sentence with strict conditions attached.
Noel Murphy with an address at Sheehaun, Ballysheedy, Gort appeared for sentence before Galway Circuit Criminal Court.
In January last year, Noel Murphy pleaded guilty to the possession of 641 pornographic images of children at his home on March 25th 2010, contrary to Section 5 of the Child Trafficking and Pornogrpahy Act 1998.
Sentencing was adjourned on a number of occasions.
At Galway Circuit Criminal Court today, Garda John Keating told judge Raymond Groarke that the defendant has not come to garda attention since.
The accused defence Barrister told the court that Mr. Murphy has engaged with the probation services and attended all scheduled appointments.
He also advised that a treatment programme has been identified and that records are available to show he has had no internet access, as was directed by the court last December.
Judge Groarke said the material was serious enough, not of the highest end but in the middle range. He noted that diagnostic assessment and counselling would continue into the future.
He then imposed a three year suspended sentence based on a number of conditions.
These include that Murphy is placed under the supervision of probation services for three years.
He is also to reside at an address to be notified and agreed with the probation services and undertake the safer lives programme or any therapeutic programme deemed appropriate.
The judge also stated that he is not to own or have access to an internet accessible device.
He is also to maintain contact with community health services and not to come to the attention of the Gardai.