Courts / Dublin / Report
Former DJ who was caught with thousands of child abuse images gets suspended sentence
Summary
Keith Farrell, a 50‑year‑old former DJ from Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material. He was found with 2,868 images in deleted files on a MacBook, including 1,300 sexual images and 458 depicting child exposure. The court noted no aggravating factors such as prior convictions or distribution. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a fully suspended two‑year sentence on strict conditions, following higher court advice that non‑custodial options are appropriate when no aggravating factors exist. Farrell cooperated during the search, provided passwords, and admitted the offences. He has no previous convictions, is not currently employed due to health issues, and is receiving social welfare. The case was investigated after a referral to Gardaí and involved Google's infrastructure in May 2021. The court considered his personal circumstances, including a difficult upbringing, substance use, and caregiving responsibilities. The sentence is suspended, with no custodial term imposed.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former DJ who was caught with thousands of child abuse images gets suspended sentence. Charges or matters: possession of child sexual abuse material, known in law as 'child pornography', on dates in May and October 2021. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- October 2021 Incident
- May 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-03-05 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of child sexual abuse material, known in law as 'child pornography', on dates in May and October 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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