PAUL O’KANE FROM STRATHFOYLE JAILED FOR VIEWING 4,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN DERRY

In a serious case of child exploitation, Paul O’Kane, a resident of Clonmeen Drive in the Strathfoyle area, has been sentenced to eight months in prison after admitting to viewing a staggering 4,000 indecent images of children. The offences, which span over a period from July 2001 to August 2013, include both the possession and creation of child sexual abuse images, highlighting a prolonged period of illicit activity.

Details of the case emerged during a hearing at Derry Crown Court, where it was revealed that police executed a search warrant at O’Kane’s home in August of the previous year. Upon their arrival, the 47-year-old suspect handed over a box file containing numerous discs, reportedly stating, “this is what you are looking for,” in a manner that suggested awareness of the incriminating evidence.

During the search, law enforcement officers seized multiple electronic devices, including two laptops, a computer tower, and two external hard drives. Police also discovered a collection of photographs, which were subsequently confiscated for examination. Forensic analysis of these items uncovered between 2,000 and 4,000 indecent images and video files depicting children as young as seven or eight years old, up to teenagers aged 15 or 16.

Further investigations revealed that O’Kane was remanded in custody less than a month prior to sentencing after breaching bail conditions by being found in possession of a computer. This breach prompted additional legal action and underscored ongoing concerns about his activities.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Philip Babington acknowledged the disturbing nature of the case. He stated, “I take into account that these images were never shared. They were kept entirely for himself although that is not to say it is victimless. The victims are the children in the images and movie clips.” The judge expressed concern about the potential for further harm, noting that cases like this are “worrying in case the individual does something more.”

As part of his punishment, O’Kane received a determinate sentence of eight months in custody, followed by an additional eight months on licence. He is also required to sign the sex offenders register for ten years and is disqualified from working with children. Moreover, he will be subject to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, which restricts his access to the internet and electronic devices without prior approval from a risk management authority. The order also prohibits any unavoidable contact with children unless explicitly authorized and mandates full disclosure of his convictions in any future relationships.