Courts / Cork / Report

Bar manager caught with 'stomach churning' child abuse material is jailed

Date
2021-10-26

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Cork

County
Cork

Summary

Matthew Johnstone, 31, a former bar manager, was found in possession of 22 images and 13 videos of children aged one to twelve being sexually and physically abused. The material, described by the judge as "stomach churning," included a video of an 18‑month‑old child subjected to "elements of torture." Johnstone pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on 19 November 2018. At sentencing, Judge Pauline Codd noted the case was aggravated by the particularly "deviant and depraved" nature of the material and the youth of the victims. She sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, suspending the final two years on strict conditions, including compliance with the Probation Service for two years after release. The judge emphasised the court's duty to protect children and the lack of evidence that Johnstone exchanged or profited from the material. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Bar manager caught with 'stomach churning' child abuse material is jailed. Charges or matters: possession of child pornography at his home on November 19, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 19, 2018 Incident
2021-10-26 Publication

Why: The judge said the court has an obligation to protect children because they are "defenceless and young" from exploitative adults. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Matthew Johnstone

Defendant

Charges: possession of child pornography at his home on November 19, 2018 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Codd sentenced Johnstone to three years imprisonment but suspended the final two years of the sentence on strict conditions, including that he follow all directions of the Probation Service for two years post release.