DES BREEN FROM CORK RECEIVES SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IMAGE POSSESSION

In February 2019, a Cork man, Des Breen, was sentenced to a two-year suspended jail term after admitting to possessing over 2,000 images of child sexual abuse on his home computer.

Breen, aged 52 and residing on Calderwood Road, Donnybrook, Douglas, pleaded guilty to a single charge of possessing indecent images of children between December 6th, 2011, and August 3rd, 2012.

He is a production journalist employed with Examiner Publications. The offence involved the possession of 2,120 images of child sexual abuse, which contravened Section 6 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998.

Det Garda Aonghus Cotter told Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the investigation was initiated based on information received from Interpol. Gardaí executed a search of Breen’s residence on August 3rd, 2012.

During the search, officers confiscated a computer and USB sticks. Expert examination of these devices revealed a total of 2,120 indecent images depicting children. Det Garda Cotter explained that the images included 195 unique images, such as 19 of girls under 17 engaging in sexual acts, 71 of girls under 17 exposing their genitalia, and 105 of sexual material involving adult females with minors.

He clarified that these 195 unique images had been duplicated multiple times on the computer, resulting in the total count of 2,120 images.

Breen was arrested on June 20th, 2017, and taken to Togher Garda station. He initially denied knowing about the images, but later voluntarily contacted Gardaí and was re-interviewed. During this interview, he admitted to viewing and downloading the images and confirmed he had used cleaning software on his computer. Gardaí also noted that he did not share or distribute the images.

Breen, who had no prior convictions, explained to Gardaí that his initial denial was due to shame. Det Garda Cotter stated, ‘He later contacted Gardaí voluntarily and was re-interviewed. He admitted viewing and downloading the images and he also admitted using cleaning software on the computer. At no point had Breen shared or distributed the images.’

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin acknowledged that this was a very serious offence but highlighted Breen’s previously good character and the fact that he had not engaged in distribution of the material. The judge also noted that Breen had cooperated fully by pleading guilty early and considered his low risk of re-offending.

The judge stated, ‘I think the appropriate sentence is one of two years but in light of his plea and his medical condition, I will suspend the sentence,’ and accordingly imposed a two-year suspended jail term.