JOSEPH CONDELL FROM ROSCREA, CO TIPPERARY, ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL

In July 2008, a significant case involving a retired religious figure from Co Tipperary drew considerable attention when he was found in possession of a large collection of graphic child pornography images. The individual in question, Joseph Condell, formerly the rector of Roscrea, faced serious allegations after authorities uncovered a total of 210 explicit images depicting minors engaged in sexual acts.

Condell, who had served as a Church of Ireland rector in Roscrea for over 22 years since 1979 and was once considered a potential bishop, pleaded guilty in Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court to knowingly possessing these illicit materials. The court proceedings revealed that the images and videos were stored on his computer's hard drive and a disc, with some of the children depicted as young as two years old involved in sexual activities with adults.

The investigation was initiated following a police raid on Condell’s rectory in Roscrea in January 2002. During the trial, Detective Sergeant James Madden from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Harcourt Square testified that no one else had access to Condell’s computer, strengthening the case against him. A file labeled 'KNK'—which the court was told stood for 'Kid 'n' kid'—was recovered from the hard drive. This file contained approximately 170 images of child pornography and three short videos showing the active sexual abuse of female children. An additional 40 images were found on a floppy disk.

Judge Tom Teehan acknowledged that while the child pornography in this case was not classified as the most severe category, it still represented a matter of 'considerable seriousness.' He noted that the images included very young children and that the case had caused shame to Condell’s family, his congregation, and the wider community. Despite the gravity of the offense, the judge accepted that Condell’s actions did not fall into the most severe classification of child exploitation.

Condell, who was ordained in 1973 and had been a respected figure in his community, was charged following the police raid. He has no prior criminal record and was once highly regarded, even being tipped as a possible bishop. His reputation and standing in the community were significantly affected by the case.

In sentencing, Judge Teehan decided to suspend the three-year prison term, provided that Condell maintained good behavior for the same period. The court also ordered him to participate in group therapy sessions at the Granada Institute and to undergo ongoing supervision by the Probation Services for four years. Additionally, Condell has been registered on the sex offenders’ list, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the need for continued monitoring.