RAY DALY FROM KILTIPPER SENTENCED IN DUBLIN FOR HORRENDOUS CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IMAGES

In June 2006, a disturbing case unfolded at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court involving Ray Daly, a 41-year-old computer technician from Ellensborough Way, Kiltipper. Daly was convicted on five counts related to the possession of child pornography, with the jury delivering a guilty verdict after five days of deliberation. The charges stemmed from the discovery of extremely disturbing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, some as young as two years old, which Gardaí described as among the most heinous they had encountered.

Detective Garda Liam Coogan, of the Garda National Bureau of Fraud Investigation, provided detailed testimony about the forensic examination of Daly’s computer equipment. The investigation uncovered videos that showed systematic and sadistic sexual abuse of very young children, including acts involving penile penetration and children crying out for the abuse to cease. Gardaí classified these images as 'Level 1' child pornography, indicating the most severe and disturbing content, including depictions of pain and sadism. Among the recovered material was a particularly distressing image of a child bound with black tape, being subjected to serious sexual abuse while crying out in pain.

Judge Miriam Reynolds, who presided over the case, reviewed some of the recovered material herself, emphasizing the gravity of the content. She noted that the images depicted acts of sadism and even bestiality involving toddlers. The judge pointed out that the maximum sentence for possession of such material was five years, as legislation distinguishes between mere possession and distribution, with no evidence suggesting Daly intended to distribute the images for commercial gain. However, there was evidence that at least one individual had been shown the material.

The court heard that the images included three 'Level 1' videos titled 'Baby J Purple,' 'Baby J Mine,' and 'Baby J Sunshine,' each lasting between one and two minutes. Detective Garda Coogan also revealed that 11 still images classified as 'Level 1' were recovered. The investigation further uncovered a total of 42 'Level 2' videos, which involved children in sexual acts involving penetration, along with 363 still images. 'Level 3' content, involving masturbation, touching, or kissing, comprised 63 videos and 211 stills, while 'Level 4' images depicted the genital or anal regions, totaling 31 videos and 217 stills.

The images and videos were found in temporary internet folders and on deleted files stored on Daly’s computer and external hard drives. The material included images of children engaging in sexual intercourse with other children, with adults, and involved oral sex. Gardaí confirmed that there was no evidence of virus infection on Daly’s computer, nor was there any indication that he purchased the material using credit cards.

During the trial, Det Garda Ronan Waldron explained that Daly’s house was searched after concerns raised by three members of the public. Daly initially admitted that the child pornographic material was stored on his hard disks but denied possessing it intentionally. He claimed that he did not seek out such content and that his viewing was driven by curiosity. Daly also stated that he sometimes inadvertently visited sites containing child pornography due to the high volume of spam emails he received daily, which he estimated to be between 60 and 80. He maintained that he did not download or actively seek out the material and denied being a collector of such content. Daly expressed shame for his actions, acknowledging that he was embarrassed by the images found on his equipment.

His defense lawyer, Mr. Tim O’Leary SC, argued that Daly accepted the likelihood of imprisonment and highlighted his previous good character, noting that his only prior conviction was for simple possession of drugs over 20 years ago, for which he was fined Ir£10. O’Leary emphasized that the offenses involved mere possession, not distribution, and that the jury’s verdict had already taken a toll on Daly, compounded by the media attention following his conviction. He also pointed out Daly’s professional qualifications, including a B.Sc degree and membership in the Institute of Engineers in Ireland, as well as his involvement in charitable activities such as parachute jumping to raise funds for good causes.

Judge Reynolds, after reviewing the evidence, underscored the severity of the material and the need for appropriate sentencing. While acknowledging Daly’s lack of intent to distribute, she highlighted the disturbing nature of the images, which depicted sadism and abuse of very young children. The judge sentenced Daly to three years in prison, considering the seriousness of the crimes and the need for deterrence. She also noted the careful and attentive manner in which the jury reached its unanimous verdict, reflecting the gravity of the case and the importance of justice for the victims involved.