TYRONE MAN ADMITS POSSESSING 5,000 INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN
A man from Tyrone has admitted to several charges related to the possession of indecent images of children, which took place just over two years ago.Peter John Hackett, aged 52 and residing in Coronation Park, Aughnacloy, initially denied 13 counts of having indecent images of children on October 25, 2021.
However, during a subsequent hearing at Dungannon Crown Court, his defense lawyer requested that Hackett be re-arraigned, after which he pleaded guilty to all charges.
The hearing did not reveal detailed information about the circumstances of the offenses, but it was noted that during his arrest, police found two devices containing approximately 5,000 images upon analysis.
The prosecution presented specimen counts to represent the number of images involved.
Justice Brian Sherrard stated that pre-sentence reports were necessary due to the serious nature of the offenses, but acknowledged that Probation Services are currently under significant strain, leading to a request for additional time to prepare these reports.
The defense explained that Hackett preferred to resolve the case before Christmas, but understood the current delays.
Judge Sherrard ordered Hackett to remain on bail set at £750 with multiple conditions, and scheduled his sentencing for January 11.
Additionally, he was instructed to register as a sex offender, with the length of registration to be determined at sentencing.
