PETER FINDLAY CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, Peter Findlay, a 50-year-old man from Kilclare Beg, Kilclare, was brought before the courts last week to face serious charges related to the possession of indecent images of children. The proceedings took place at Carrick-on-Shannon Circuit Court, where Findlay pleaded guilty to the possession of a significant collection of illicit material, leading to a sentencing that underscores the gravity of his actions.

According to court records, the charges stem from a police investigation that uncovered a disturbing cache of digital and physical images stored at Findlay’s residence. The search, conducted on August 24, 2012, was carried out under a warrant and revealed a total of 80,000 images, of which 464 were classified as child sexual abuse images. These images were found on CDs, on his computer, and in hard copy files stored within his home. The images depicted young girls, ranging in age from approximately six to fourteen years old, in various states of undress, some in sexually explicit scenarios. The most disturbing content included videos and photographs showing young females engaged in sexual acts with adult men.

Prior to the discovery, authorities had been alerted to Findlay’s suspicious behavior. In August 2011, Gardai received a complaint about his inappropriate approach towards two 12-year-old girls at an outdoor market in Carrick-on-Shannon. Findlay, who operated a stall at the market, had engaged the girls in conversation about music and television, but it was alleged that he also took photographs and videos of them without their consent. This initial report prompted further investigation, which ultimately led to the search of his home.

Detective David Donnelly, who was involved in the case, provided details about the evidence found during the search. He explained that the images and videos found on Findlay’s devices were highly disturbing, showing young girls in vulnerable situations. The detective also noted that Findlay had a history of similar offenses, including a previous conviction in 2001 for possession of child pornography in Arklow, County Wicklow. At that time, Findlay received a six-month suspended sentence and was registered on the Child Sex Offenders’ Register. Detective Donnelly highlighted that Findlay had an interest in photography dating back to the 1990s, during which he had taken professional photographs, adding a layer of complexity to the case.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the offense, describing it as falling within the middle range of such crimes. The judge, Martin Norris, took into account Findlay’s background, his previous conviction, and the circumstances surrounding the case. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Norris stated that a custodial sentence was necessary, reflecting the severity of the crime. Findlay was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, with the final year suspended on the condition that he maintains good behavior during his time in custody and cooperates with probation services upon release.

Furthermore, the court ordered that a note of the offense be added to the Child Sex Offenders’ Register, and that Findlay must stay away from schools and playgrounds for the next 15 years. The judge also mandated the destruction of all the images seized during the investigation. In his closing remarks, Judge Norris warned Findlay that in a community like Leitrim, “everyone will know what you are doing,” and cautioned him that “you will be watched.” The case was praised for the diligent work of the Gardaí in bringing the matter to justice, highlighting the importance of community vigilance and law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.