PETER MORPHEW'S SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL IN CO WICKLOW

In December 2003, a disturbing case emerged involving Peter Morphew, a man from Ballylug, Clara Vale, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, who was sentenced to six months in prison for possessing and viewing a large collection of child abuse images. Morphew, aged 63 at the time, was found to have downloaded approximately 1,200 indecent images depicting children being sexually abused over a span of more than two years, from February 2000 to April 2002.

His involvement in this heinous activity was uncovered during a nationwide investigation known as Operation Amethyst, which targeted internet-based child abuse. The authorities raided Morphew’s residence in May 2002, and during the search, he admitted to the offence. In addition to the child abuse material, Morphew also confessed to possessing a shotgun and two rounds of ammunition at his home, which he also acknowledged on the same day.

At Wicklow Circuit Court, Morphew expressed remorse for his actions, stating that his conduct was driven by late-night boredom, feelings of depression, and excessive alcohol consumption. During the court proceedings, he took the stand and offered an apology, describing his actions as appalling and expressing regret for the harm caused.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC) publicly criticized the sentence, describing it as lenient given the severity of the crimes. The court, presided over by Judge Raymond Groarke, condemned Morphew’s conduct as utterly depraved. The judge emphasized that the demand for such material fuels the cycle of abuse and that if there were no consumers, there might be fewer victims.

As part of the sentencing, Judge Groarke viewed the disturbing images directly in court, which included children engaged in sexual acts with both other children and adults, displayed on a laptop set up in the courtroom. The case has shocked the local community in Co Wicklow and highlights ongoing concerns about internet safety and child protection.