'Reclusive' Cork man sentenced for downloading child abuse images

Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard the man's explanation was 'that he was curious about it'

The judge imposed a fully suspended two-and-a-half-year sentence. File picture: Larry Cummins

A 35-year-old man who was bullied in school and was somewhat reclusive was sentenced at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for downloading child abuse images more than four years ago.

Detective Garda Alan Johnston testified that images and videos totalling 191 were found on a laptop belonging to John Nagle at his home at Churchfield Green, Churchfield, Cork, on March 24, 2020. 

Sixty-six of the images and 63 of the videos were all in the most serious category of children involved in or witnessing sexual acts.

“His explanation was that he was curious about it. He understood what he was doing was illegal. He is 35. His interest is online gaming. He never had a job and spends most of his time at home,” Det. Garda Johnston said.

Paula McCarthy defence barrister said: “He made admissions. He understood that the material he was looking at was illegal. He would lead quite a reclusive life.” 

Ms McCarthy said the defendant had attended for counselling with a leading expert in this area, and he has not come to adverse attention since this offence was detected in March four years ago.

She said the defendant struggled after he left school where he was bullied. And he was also subjected to an assault which adversely affected him.

Judge Dermot Sheehan noted that the defendant who had difficulties in his life was fully co-operative with the investigation and had kept himself free of criminality since it was detected.

In all the circumstances the judge imposed a fully suspended two-and-a-half-year sentence.