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Suspended sentence for downloading child abuse imagery

Summary

Ian Belton, 47, received an 18‑month suspended sentence for possessing child pornography. He was found with 75 images of pre‑teen and teenage girls and a 46‑minute video of younger girls in sexual acts. The images were classified as category two, and the video moved the case to the lower end of the mid‑range. Belton pleaded guilty on 26 May 2018 and had no prior convictions. The judge noted his cooperation with Gardaí, his psychiatric history, and his role as a caring father and brother. He had undergone psychotherapy, showing remorse and a low risk of re‑offending. The judge believed that the stigma, loss of reputation, and registration requirements would deter future offences, so she imposed the suspended sentence. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for downloading child abuse imagery. Charges or matters: one count of possessing child pornography at his home address at Seagrange Drive, Baldoyle, Dublin on May 26, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 26, 2018 Incident
• 2020-11-12 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report