May 2013 MS saves repeat porn offender Michael O’Hare from jail A wheelchair user convicted of downloading images of child abuse for the third time has been given a suspended jail sentence. Michael O’Hare, 61, who has multiple sclerosis, accessed the material to pass away the boredom of being unable to get out, Exeter Crown Court heard. O’Hare, of Butts Road, Exeter, But formerly of of Ashill, Cullompton admitted three offences of making indecent images of children. Judge Erik Salomonsen sentenced him to six months, suspended for two years. O’Hare, who also admitted breaking a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO), had another order imposed. Judge Salomonsen said O’Hare had a “predilection for young girls and for viewing images of them”. The court was told O’Hare had previous convictions dating back to 2001 and 2007. During a routine visit to ensure O’Hare was complying with a SOPO, police found nearly 600 images, some of which had been downloaded within the previous few months, Peter Coombe, prosecuting, said. Mitigating, David Sapiecha said his client, who lived a “very sad life”, was now working with a charity which helps offenders overcome their interest in images of children. Judge Salomonsen said the images downloaded by O’Hare were considered to be level one – the lowest of five levels of seriousness – which gave “some credence” to the suggestion he had been “trying to resist temptation”. Suspending the six-month jail sentence, the judge said having read O’Hare’s medical report he could see “no useful purpose” in sending him to prison. However, he warned O’Hare that, despite his failing health, he would “undoubtedly” be jailed if brought back to court within two years