KIERAN GRIFFIN FROM COUNTY DONEGAL JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND SPYING IN PUBLIC TOILETS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of County Donegal, Kieran Griffin, aged 57, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious offences related to child exploitation and voyeurism. The sentencing took place at Letterkenny District Court, where Judge John Aylmer presided over the case, which revealed a pattern of disturbing behavior involving the use of covert technology to spy on children and adults in private settings.

Griffin, a computer expert with a background in studying computers at Letterkenny Institute of Technology, was arrested after Gardai uncovered evidence of his illicit activities. The investigation was initiated in July 2016 when officers observed Griffin engaging in lewd conduct within the public toilets of Letterkenny Shopping Centre. Surveillance footage and eyewitness reports indicated that Griffin was using a covert camera concealed within a newspaper to secretly record young boys in the restroom, raising serious concerns about his intentions and the safety of children in the area.

Further searches of Griffin’s residence at Cashel, Fanad, uncovered a trove of incriminating evidence. Among the seized items were a Sony laptop, multiple hard drives, a memory card, and a covert pen camera. Notably, investigators discovered a five-page child pornography story titled 'Swimland Beaver Patrol,' which added to the mounting evidence against him. Detective Stephen McGonagle of the Gardaí detailed how the covert pen camera had been installed in Griffin’s bathroom at his family home, where he lived with his elderly mother. The footage obtained from the hidden camera included scenes of a young woman showering, with Griffin himself captured in the nude setting up the device.

Authorities also found disturbing material on Griffin’s laptop, including videos of him engaging in sexually explicit conversations with boys as young as 14, some of whom spoke broken English and appeared to be foreigners. Detective McGonagle explained that Interpol had been unable to trace the identities or locations of these victims, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation. Griffin’s online activities extended over several years, from 2011 to 2017, during which he possessed and shared child pornography and engaged in threatening and abusive behavior.

During the court proceedings, Griffin showed no visible emotion as he was sentenced. It was also revealed that despite his criminal behavior, Griffin was a regular church-goer, which contrasted sharply with his actions. His previous employment had been terminated following media coverage of his pending court case, further highlighting the impact of his criminal conduct. As Griffin was led away in handcuffs by prison officers, he was embraced by his brother, a poignant moment amid the gravity of the charges and the community’s concern for the safety of children and vulnerable individuals in County Donegal.