Courts / Dublin / Report
No jail for man caught with video of unconscious 5-year-old being abused
Summary
Michael Flanagan, 31, was sentenced to a two‑year suspended term for possessing child pornography, including a video of an unconscious five‑year‑old girl. He had previously been convicted in 2012 and 2013 for similar offences. The judge noted the video's particular concern and that Flanagan had not shared the images. He was found to have lived in self‑imposed isolation and had a history of drug use. The sentence requires him to engage with the Probation Service for 12 months, complete sex‑offender, victim‑awareness and drug‑and‑alcohol programmes, keep the peace for two years, and allow Gardaí access to his computer. The court also ordered that he keep the peace for two years and make his computer available to Gardaí at any time. The judge accepted that there was no evidence that Flanagan had shared the images. The judge also took into account a "detailed and helpful" probation report which she said was positive. Michael Flanagan pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: No jail for man caught with video of unconscious 5-year-old being abused. Charges or matters: two counts of possessing child pornography in 2012 and 2013. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 13, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 6 Other
- 2012 and 2013 Other
- 2017-04-28 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: two counts of possessing child pornography in 2012 and 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Counsel asked the judge to consider a non-custodial sentence.; Judge Karen O'Connor had previously adjourned the case having heard evidence.
Places mentioned
Topics
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