Courts / Dublin / Report
Doorman avoids jail for having child abuse video
Summary
Stephen Hearns, a former nightclub doorman, was found in possession of a video showing a girl of about 13 years old fully naked and engaging in explicit sexual behaviour. The video was sent to him in a 2015 WhatsApp group chat that also included other participants. Garda Stephen Kinneavy testified that Hearns had expressed liking the video and requested more. The footage surfaced during a global child‑abuse investigation that led to a search of a property in Swords, Co. Dublin, and the seizure of several mobile phones and computers. The operation ultimately resulted in the 2018 conviction of the primary suspect, Maddy Grant. Hearns admitted to joining the group but denied any physical contact with children. He was given a fully suspended one‑year prison sentence, and his security licence was revoked.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Doorman avoids jail for having child abuse video. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 14, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-07-13 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: Judge Martin Nolan suspended a prison sentence of one year, saying that he believed Hearns is unlikely to reoffend.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Harcourt Street
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request