DOMINIC IJICHI FROM CROSSGAR, CO DOWN, FREED AFTER POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IMAGES

In a recent court hearing held at Downpatrick Crown Court, Dominic Ijichi, a resident of Derryboy Road in Crossgar, Co Down, was formally charged and subsequently pleaded guilty to possessing a significant collection of indecent images depicting children in explicit and erotic poses. The case drew considerable attention due to the nature and volume of the material involved.

According to court records, Ijichi, aged 39, admitted to downloading and storing over 1,000 images that portrayed minors in sexually explicit scenarios. The charges specifically related to 24 sample offences of creating and possessing indecent images of children, with the incidents spanning from December 31, 2006, to May 2 of the previous year. The investigation revealed that the total number of images linked to Ijichi amounted to 1,403, all depicting children in various stages of sexualized poses, which the court classified as the least serious category of such offences.

Judge David Smyth addressed the court, emphasizing that although the images were categorized as the least serious, the offence itself remains grave and unacceptable. He underscored the importance of recognizing the severity of possessing such material, regardless of the classification. The judge also highlighted that the possession of these images contributes to the ongoing exploitation and victimization of minors.

As part of the sentencing, Ijichi was handed a three-year probation order, which will require him to adhere to certain conditions and supervision during this period. Additionally, he was ordered to remain on the sex offenders register for a duration of seven years, a measure intended to monitor and prevent any potential reoffending. The court's decision reflects a balance between acknowledging the offence and considering the circumstances of the case, ultimately opting for a sentence that emphasizes rehabilitation and monitoring rather than incarceration.