KEVIN SHEVLIN JNR: MAN (47) WHO HAD OVER 8,000 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IMAGES JAILED FOR 15 MONTHS
Kevin Shevlin Jnr., Hunterstown, Ardee, Co.Louth, was jailed for 15 months after he pleaded guilty to possessing the images on a laptop at his home address on February 2, 2018.
Evidence revealed that the material included images of females aged 8 to 13, with ten categorized as Category 1, depicting children involved in or witnessing sexual activity.
A second count related to a computer hard drive was taken into consideration by Dundalk Circuit Court.
Mr Shevlin, with no previous convictions, has been assessed as at medium risk of reoffending by the Probation Service.
Gardaí met the defendant in his bedroom during a search warrant execution, where a seized laptop contained 7,604 images, including ten Category 1 images and the rest Category 2, all of females.
He made no admissions at the scene, provided passwords to one email account, but couldn't recall another, and provided an incorrect password for a third.
He was arrested on December 2, 2019, and detained at Dundalk Garda Station.
A file was sent to the DPP, and he was charged and entered a guilty plea last June.
He resides with his parents, has not worked in over 16 years, and has mental health difficulties due to bullying.
The judge noted the devices were used for an extended period, with no evidence of distribution or software attempts to cover tracks.
He has never lived independently, and the court emphasized the seriousness of possessing any amount of such material.
A 21-month sentence was imposed, with the final six months suspended for two years, subject to conditions including a good behaviour bond and supervision.
The court highlighted the lifetime impact of serious sexual abuse committed in 10 instances, and ordered the destruction of the laptop and hard drive.
