Courts / Wicklow / Report
Jail time halved for man who viewed bestiality child abuse images
Summary
Paul Nolan, 57, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment with two years suspended for two counts of possession of child pornography involving bestiality images. The offence was committed between January and September 2013. Nolan appealed, arguing the judge had not considered the time elapsed between the offence and sentencing and the relatively small number of images. The Court of Appeal reduced the sentence to two years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended for three years, and imposed a three‑year probation period. Nolan had no prior convictions and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He was also deemed a candidate for the Safer Lives rehabilitation programme. The appeal was heard by Justice Patrick McCarthy, Justice Isobel Kennedy and Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh. The case was originally heard in Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail time halved for man who viewed bestiality child abuse images. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- September 2013 Incident
- September 11, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-01-25 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Paul Nolan (57), formerly of Ripley Hills, Bray, Co Wicklow but now a prisoner at Midlands Prison, was sentenced to four years imprisonment with two years suspended after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography, contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court last November. Sentencing Nolan to two-years imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended for three years, the judge said Nolan would have to remain under the supervision of the Probation Services for three years after his release from custody.
Places mentioned
- Midlands Prison
- Wicklow
- Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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