KEVIN HUNT OF ASHBOURNE, CO MEATH, JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN TRIM

In July 2003, Kevin Hunt, a 40-year-old father of two from Brookville, Hunter’s Lane, Ashbourne, County Meath, was sentenced to nine months in prison after gardai discovered approximately 500 child abuse images on his computer during an operation known as Operation Amethyst. The investigation targeted individuals using the Internet to access and distribute child pornography, and Hunt's case marked the longest custodial sentence handed down in this series of prosecutions.

During the sentencing at Trim Circuit Court, Judge Raymond Groarke emphasized the need for detention as a deterrent, stating, "It was necessary to consider a prison sentence as a deterrent as children are the most vulnerable to being used for profit by perverse adults." The judge also addressed common misconceptions about such crimes, asserting, "There is a view that these crimes are victimless, but in my opinion, nothing could be further from the truth. Every still or photograph is a picture of a crime scene."

Hunt had pleaded guilty to a single count of possession of indecent images of children, contrary to the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, on May 27, 2002. Evidence concluded earlier in the proceedings revealed the disturbing nature of the images found on his devices. Gardai observed some of the content and described it as "grossly obscene" and "a gross obscenity to any right-thinking person," involving children subjected to the worst forms of abuse.

On a CD provided by Hunt, investigators found 152 images focusing on the genital areas of prepubescent children, alongside 368 images of pubescent and post-pubescent minors. The images included 11 pictures depicting children engaged in sexual acts, such as oral sex, full intercourse, or fondling. Additionally, there were 10 video clips, one of which was deemed "quite horrific," and text stories promoting incest and same-sex relationships involving young children.

The court was informed that Hunt had been participating in a therapeutic programme run by the Granada Institute and had shown significant progress. Dr. Patrick Randle, a principal clinical psychologist involved in his assessment, stated that Hunt was considered low-risk for re-offending. The psychologist noted that Hunt did not use the Internet for communication or distribution of the images but rather for personal gratification.

There was no evidence to suggest Hunt posed a threat to children. Judge Groarke remarked on Dr. Randle's conclusion that clients at the Granada Institute rarely engage in Internet activity related to such crimes in a criminal or financial context. The judge added, "There is substantial evidence that those who indulge in such actions have serious psychological lacking."

In reflecting on Hunt's cooperation with authorities, his early plea, participation in therapy, self-awareness, and low risk of re-offending, Judge Groarke emphasized that Hunt had contributed positively to society in ordinary ways and made the decision to impose the nine-month sentence accordingly.