JAMES CLARKE FROM BALLYHAUNIS AND TALLAGHT SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN MAYO AND DUBLIN
| Red Rose Database
Ballyhaunis Tallaght Mayo Child Sexual Abuser
In December 2017, James Clarke, a man with a troubling history of child sexual abuse image possession, faced additional legal consequences after authorities uncovered more illicit material during ongoing investigations. Clarke, aged 62 at the time, had previously been sentenced in 2013 to ten years in prison, with the final two years suspended, for possessing and distributing child pornography. His initial sentencing was notably expedited due to the severity of the material involved, which was fast-tracked through analysis at the Garda Cyber Crime Bureau.
However, further images and videos linked to Clarke were discovered during subsequent investigations, though their analysis was delayed because of a backlog at the cyber crime unit. These additional materials were retrieved from devices found at Clarke’s residence in Mayo and former addresses in Drogheda, with the investigation revealing a disturbing collection of illicit content.
Specifically, Clarke, who formerly resided at Devlis Cottage in Ballyhaunis, Mayo, pleaded guilty to possessing 785 images of child pornography on devices at his Mayo address in January 2012. Additionally, in December 2010, devices at a previous residence in Drogheda contained 1,009 images and three videos depicting child sexual abuse. The court was informed that these images fell into categories involving minors under 17 engaged in explicit sexual acts or with exposed genitals.
Clarke’s criminal record also includes a conviction from the United Kingdom for engaging in sexual activity with a minor during the 1970s. Despite his past, Clarke has been described as a model prisoner during his time in custody. During an interview with Gardaí in 2016, he expressed remorse and claimed to be disgusted by the material found on his devices.
Legal representatives for Clarke argued that if the case had been processed more swiftly—given that the material was “fast tracked” in 2013—the proceedings might have concluded earlier. They contended that Clarke should not be penalized for systemic delays. However, Judge Martin Nolan emphasized that possession of child pornography is a crime with victims, as it fuels the production of such material by unscrupulous third parties. The judge acknowledged Clarke’s guilty plea and cooperation, noting that he appeared to have attempted to reform himself while incarcerated.
Nevertheless, the judge highlighted the mixed nature of the probation report, which indicated a potential risk of re-offending. He remarked on Clarke’s personal difficulties but condemned his actions as “unforgivable.” Considering what the sentence might have been if all the material had been dealt with at the original sentencing in 2013, Judge Nolan stated that a longer sentence would have been appropriate due to the additional offending.
Ultimately, Clarke was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, with the final two years suspended, to run consecutively to his current term. The court also ordered two years of probation supervision. The sentence was partly suspended due to mitigating circumstances, including the delay in proceedings and the hope that Clarke could reform.
In a related case from July 2012, Clarke, then aged 58 and residing at Devlis Cottages in Ballyhaunis, pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing a vast collection of child abuse images. Authorities found over 130,000 images and videos, some depicting severe abuse involving bondage, cruelty, and bestiality. The material was organized into folders by themes and individuals, and Clarke was using an internet site to share these images.
Clarke faced four counts of knowingly distributing child pornography at Russell View, Tallaght, Dublin, on separate occasions in August 2010, and possession of such material at the same address on August 20th, 2010. Gardaí described the collection as the largest of its kind they had encountered. The files included images of children involved in sexual acts with other children, adults, and even animals, with some victims being infants.
Further investigation revealed Clarke’s use of Gigatribe, a social networking platform, to distribute the illicit content, restricting access to trusted users. Warnings and invitations to share the files were found in multiple languages, indicating an organized effort to circulate the material. Clarke also attempted to contact a woman via email, discussing keeping her and her 14-year-old daughter as sex slaves.
The total number of images and videos on Clarke’s drives amounted to 133,563 images and 1,992 videos. Gardaí also disclosed that Clarke had a prior conviction from 1977 for sex with a minor, when he was approximately 20 years old, and the girl was 14. Defense counsel, Kitty Perle, explained that Clarke had struggled with depression and had attempted suicide multiple times. She noted that he had since overcome these issues, established a security firm, but that a 2003 road incident and his prolonged online activity led to his descent into viewing child images, which spiraled out of control.
Judge Patricia Ryan described the case as extremely serious, ordered a psychiatric evaluation, and remanded Clarke in custody at Arbour Hill for sentencing scheduled for October 26th. The court emphasized the gravity of his offenses and the need for appropriate punishment, considering his past and the nature of the crimes committed.
However, further images and videos linked to Clarke were discovered during subsequent investigations, though their analysis was delayed because of a backlog at the cyber crime unit. These additional materials were retrieved from devices found at Clarke’s residence in Mayo and former addresses in Drogheda, with the investigation revealing a disturbing collection of illicit content.
Specifically, Clarke, who formerly resided at Devlis Cottage in Ballyhaunis, Mayo, pleaded guilty to possessing 785 images of child pornography on devices at his Mayo address in January 2012. Additionally, in December 2010, devices at a previous residence in Drogheda contained 1,009 images and three videos depicting child sexual abuse. The court was informed that these images fell into categories involving minors under 17 engaged in explicit sexual acts or with exposed genitals.
Clarke’s criminal record also includes a conviction from the United Kingdom for engaging in sexual activity with a minor during the 1970s. Despite his past, Clarke has been described as a model prisoner during his time in custody. During an interview with Gardaí in 2016, he expressed remorse and claimed to be disgusted by the material found on his devices.
Legal representatives for Clarke argued that if the case had been processed more swiftly—given that the material was “fast tracked” in 2013—the proceedings might have concluded earlier. They contended that Clarke should not be penalized for systemic delays. However, Judge Martin Nolan emphasized that possession of child pornography is a crime with victims, as it fuels the production of such material by unscrupulous third parties. The judge acknowledged Clarke’s guilty plea and cooperation, noting that he appeared to have attempted to reform himself while incarcerated.
Nevertheless, the judge highlighted the mixed nature of the probation report, which indicated a potential risk of re-offending. He remarked on Clarke’s personal difficulties but condemned his actions as “unforgivable.” Considering what the sentence might have been if all the material had been dealt with at the original sentencing in 2013, Judge Nolan stated that a longer sentence would have been appropriate due to the additional offending.
Ultimately, Clarke was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, with the final two years suspended, to run consecutively to his current term. The court also ordered two years of probation supervision. The sentence was partly suspended due to mitigating circumstances, including the delay in proceedings and the hope that Clarke could reform.
In a related case from July 2012, Clarke, then aged 58 and residing at Devlis Cottages in Ballyhaunis, pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing a vast collection of child abuse images. Authorities found over 130,000 images and videos, some depicting severe abuse involving bondage, cruelty, and bestiality. The material was organized into folders by themes and individuals, and Clarke was using an internet site to share these images.
Clarke faced four counts of knowingly distributing child pornography at Russell View, Tallaght, Dublin, on separate occasions in August 2010, and possession of such material at the same address on August 20th, 2010. Gardaí described the collection as the largest of its kind they had encountered. The files included images of children involved in sexual acts with other children, adults, and even animals, with some victims being infants.
Further investigation revealed Clarke’s use of Gigatribe, a social networking platform, to distribute the illicit content, restricting access to trusted users. Warnings and invitations to share the files were found in multiple languages, indicating an organized effort to circulate the material. Clarke also attempted to contact a woman via email, discussing keeping her and her 14-year-old daughter as sex slaves.
The total number of images and videos on Clarke’s drives amounted to 133,563 images and 1,992 videos. Gardaí also disclosed that Clarke had a prior conviction from 1977 for sex with a minor, when he was approximately 20 years old, and the girl was 14. Defense counsel, Kitty Perle, explained that Clarke had struggled with depression and had attempted suicide multiple times. She noted that he had since overcome these issues, established a security firm, but that a 2003 road incident and his prolonged online activity led to his descent into viewing child images, which spiraled out of control.
Judge Patricia Ryan described the case as extremely serious, ordered a psychiatric evaluation, and remanded Clarke in custody at Arbour Hill for sentencing scheduled for October 26th. The court emphasized the gravity of his offenses and the need for appropriate punishment, considering his past and the nature of the crimes committed.