A 63-year-old man who operated a children's fun-park in Co Wicklow has been sentenced to six months in prison for down-loading and viewing 1,200 images of children being sexually abused.
However, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has described the sentence as lenient.
Peter Morphew, of Ballylug, Clara Vale, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, admitted paying for the images by credit card over a two year period between February 2000 and April 2002. He told Wicklow Circuit Court he was sorry and appalled at his actions.
Judge Raymond Groarke said it was utterly depraved conduct, and if there were no purchasers of such material, there may not be any victims.
When his home was raided in May 2002 as part of Operation Amethyst the nationwide investigation into internet child abuse, Mr Morphew admitted the offence. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a shotgun and two rounds of ammunition at his home on the same date.
This morning, Mr Morphew took the stand at Wicklow Circuit Court and said his actions took place late at night when he was bored, depressed and drinking too much.
During the hearing, Judge Raymond Groarke viewed the images of children having sex with other children and adults on a lap-top set up in the court.
