SAM WILTSHIRE FROM BALLYFERMOT CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN DUBLIN

In December 2009, a serious case involving a man from Ballyfermot, Dublin, came to light when Sam Wiltshire, aged 31, was found guilty of possessing a significant amount of child pornography material. The court proceedings revealed that Wiltshire was a self-described 'pornography addict' who had accumulated over 1,000 images and videos depicting children being raped and posed naked. His criminal activity extended beyond mere possession, as evidence showed he had printed more than 200 child pornography images at the pharmacy where he was employed.

Gardaí uncovered that Wiltshire was actively sharing these illicit images through peer-to-peer networks, including programs like Limewire. This sharing indicated a level of distribution, although the primary concern was his possession and personal use of the material. The investigation was initiated after authorities in Holland linked him to a child pornography website, which led to the discovery of his involvement.

Search warrants were executed at his residence on Cedarbrook Walk in Ballyfermot and at his workplace in a pharmacy located in Superquinn on Sundrive Road, Crumlin. During the raid at his home, Wiltshire cooperated by showing Gardaí his computer, which contained the illegal content. Authorities seized a substantial amount of digital equipment, including a laptop, a hard drive, and 16 CDs. Additionally, a holdall bag was found at the rear of his house, containing 210 developed photographs of naked children. Although no pornography was located on the pharmacy's computer, further evidence was uncovered there.

The Garda Computer Crime Investigation Unit discovered disturbing images and videos, some featuring children as young as seven years old. The videos depicted heinous acts, including rape and oral and anal abuse by adults. Most of the photographs showed children aged between 11 and 15, often posing naked. Many of these files were stored in folders used for sharing over the internet, suggesting Wiltshire had actively distributed the material to other users. Emails recovered from his account indicated he was seeking out such content online.

Wiltshire, who had exclusive access to the photo processing equipment at his job, admitted to downloading the images. He claimed he believed some of the children depicted were over 18, a statement that the court found unconvincing given the nature of the images. He also confessed to being addicted to various forms of pornography and hoarding the material he found on CDs. His arrest followed the completion of a thorough examination of his computers and digital devices.

During court proceedings, Wiltshire expressed remorse and acknowledged his troubled mental health history, including depression and self-harm. His defense lawyer, Mr. Philipp Rahn BL, highlighted that Wiltshire had cooperated fully with Gardaí and had no prior criminal record. The court acknowledged his efforts to rehabilitate himself and noted that most of the material seized was at the lower end of the seriousness scale. Judge Tony Hunt ultimately sentenced Wiltshire to three years in prison, suspended, and ordered him to continue attending group psychotherapy sessions at the Granada Institute, which specializes in treating sexual offenders. The judge emphasized that Wiltshire should consider himself fortunate to receive such leniency, given the gravity of his offenses and the impact on the victims involved.