No jail for Corkman who ended up accessing child sex abuse images online during covid

The court heard the accused was extremely apologetic and co-operated at all times with the investigation

Judge Kelleher imposed a nine-month sentence suspended on condition that the defendant would continue to take the directions of the probation service including attendance at the Safer Lives programme, which the judge described as a very successful type of programme. File picture: Larry Cummins

A young man who spent too much time on his own online during the covid-19 pandemic ended up accessing child sex abuse imagery, but since then has co-operated with the investigation and complied with all directions of the probation service.

In all the circumstances, Judge Olann Kelleher said that while it was a serious charge the mitigating factors allowed for the imposition of a suspended sentence. The Director of Public Prosecutions decided that the case involving possession of images and videos of child abuse images in March last year would only be dealt with at district court level on a guilty plea.

Nathan Bevan of Cathedral Road, Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge brought against him by Detective Garda Tom Delaney, of being in possession of 25 images and 12 videos of child abuse imagery. Sergeant Pat Lyons said 16 of the images and one of the videos were category 1, the most serious material depicting children witnessing or engaged in sexual acts.

The defendant was represented by solicitor, Shane Collins-Daly, who said the accused was extremely apologetic.

“He has no previous convictions. He lives with his parents. During covid he spent quite a lot of time online. He progressed from pornography itself to these images.

“Since then he made arrangements to see his GP and he has been given anti-anxiety and anti-depression medication. He co-operated at all times with the investigation. And he co-operated with the probation service. He would be suitable for probation supervision if the court feels it is appropriate.

“He has made a significant effort to be more sociable and meet his friends who are encouraging him when he goes into himself — they are keeping an eye on him.

“He was never in trouble in his life. He is working and is never likely to come before the court again,” Mr Collins-Daly said.

Judge Olann Kelleher said the offence warranted a custodial sentence but said the mitigating factors outlined by the solicitor had to be taken into consideration.

Judge Kelleher imposed a nine-month sentence suspended on condition that the defendant would continue to take the directions of the probation service including attendance at the Safer Lives programme, which the judge described as a very successful type of programme.