Courts / Dublin / Report
Solider is jailed for sexual exploitation of child
Summary
David McCarton, a former defence forces member aged 38, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended for possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child. The offence involved a young girl aged 11‑13 who believed she was communicating with a 14‑year‑old girl. McCarton recorded and possessed multiple illegal video and image files, including category one and category two child pornography, and admitted to viewing them out of curiosity. He also pleaded guilty to theft of ammunition and a magazine clip. The court noted his lack of prior convictions, his cooperation, and remorse, as well as the aggravating circumstances of the offence's nature and duration. The sentence, back‑dated to his custody, includes strict probation conditions and participation in a sex offenders treatment programme. No further offences have been reported since his admission of guilt.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Solider is jailed for sexual exploitation of child. Charges or matters: possession of child pornography in May 2013 and sexual exploitation of a child on a date between December 2010 and May 2013; theft of a magazine clip and rounds of ammunition on a date between January 2012 and May 2013. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 2013 Incident
- December 2010 Incident
- January 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2017 Other
- 2018-07-23 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of child pornography in May 2013 and sexual exploitation of a child on a date between December 2010 and May 2013; theft of a magazine clip and rounds of ammunition on a date between January 2012 and May 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She imposed a total of six years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended on strict conditions including probation supervision, addressing his risk factors for re-offending and taking part in a sex offenders treatment programme.; Judge Patricia Ryan had adjourned the case to allow a probation report be prepared after originally hearing evidence in the case last May.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- McCarton's house
Topics
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