MARK MCELWEE FROM DUNDUMR CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY FILES IN DUBLIN COURT

In a significant development in a child exploitation case, Mark McElwee, aged 33 and residing at The Laurels in Dundrum, faced serious allegations related to the possession and distribution of child pornography. The incident came to light during a court session at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where McElwee pleaded guilty last June to two counts of knowingly possessing and distributing explicit material involving minors, specifically on July 19th and August 10th of 1999.

According to court records, the Gardaí executed a search warrant at McElwee's residence, uncovering a disturbing collection of digital files. They discovered a total of 410 pornographic images stored across 17 floppy disks and a hard drive. The images included graphic depictions of young girls, some as young as five years old, being subjected to sexual abuse, with some photographs explicitly showing acts of rape.

The investigation was initiated after Gardaí received a tip-off about an individual using the nickname 'Jamsey' in an internet chatroom. Detective Moran, working within the Garda Internet Monitoring Unit, logged onto the chatroom under the alias 'Beach Road' to establish contact with the suspect. It was during this online exchange that McElwee sent the illicit images to the detective, confirming his involvement.

Further tracing of McElwee's digital footprint led Gardaí to his telephone number. When authorities visited his Dundrum home, McElwee cooperated by handing over a green box containing 17 floppy disks, which he had concealed beneath his floorboards. The evidence collected from his residence was deeply disturbing, revealing a collection of images that depicted the sexual abuse of minors, some of whom appeared to be as young as five years old.

The case has garnered significant attention due to the severity of the allegations and the disturbing nature of the evidence. McElwee's guilty plea has resulted in a sentence of two years, suspended, meaning he may avoid imprisonment if he continues to cooperate with the Granada Institute, which is involved in child protection and offender rehabilitation efforts. The court's decision underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and the potential for leniency contingent upon continued cooperation in such grave cases.