Suspended term in child porn case

A HIGHLY qualified computer engineer now earns a living as a cleaner having been shunned by all who knew him after he was found with child porn images, Limerick Circuit Court heard.

Anthony Mullane, aged 45, with an address at Ormston House, Patrick Street, Limerick, was given a two-year suspended sentence when he pleaded guilty to possession of the images.

Gardaí were alerted after a work colleague saw the accused downloading child porn. In a follow up search, more than 1,500 images were found and four or five were of children engaging in sexual acts.

When the case originally came before the court, evidence was given that Mullane suffered a form of brain damage in a car accident.

He had fully co-operated and was working with the probation service and a psychiatrist. The court was told he had made substantial progress.

Judge Carroll Moran said Mullane had already suffered considerable punishment for his actions. He had qualified with a third level degree in computer engineering and now worked as cleaner and was in hostel-type accommodation.