A former deputy primary school principal has been jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to the distribution of child pornography.
Sentencing Brian Fitzgerald, of Golf Links Road, Youghal, Co Cork today, Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin described his actions as heinous and vile, saying that this is not a victimless crime.
Fitzgerald, 49, had pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a number of offences, including four charges of distributing child pornography, and one charge of possessing child pornography at Meadowlands, Youghal on various dates in 2017.
Gardaí acting on foot of information received from the National Protective Services Bureau following the posting of a pornographic image on a site under the user name 'School teacher', searched Mr Fitzgerald's home in May 2017.
More than 3,000 images and videos were found on electronic devices confiscated by gardaí.
The investigation also found that he had distributed 53 images to four separate people on four separate dates.
Further investigations have since been opened in the US, UK and Germany following the discovery.
The court was told that Fitzgerald is a single man. He has since sold his home at Meadowlands in Youghal and is caring for his elderly mother at home.
He recently resigned from his job as a teacher for over 26 years and accepts he will never teach again.
Judge Ó Donnabháin said: "Every one of these children are victims and are being exploited by this distribution and society should not tolerate it in any way.
"It is remarkable that these sites are so easily accessible - that this vile material was accessible at the touch of a button."
He sentenced Fitzgerald to three years in prison for the distribution of the child pornography, but suspended the final 18 months on the basis that he is 49 years old, has never been in trouble before, has lost his career, has attended a psychotherapist, has gained insight into his behaviour and has shown remorse.
He received a sentence of 18 months for possession of child pornography, which is to run concurrently.
Speaking afterwards, Supt Colm Noonan of Midleton Garda Station, who lead the investigation, said gardaí are working closely with Tusla and the primary school to assist any parent who has any concerns arising from this investigation.
He said he was satisfied that the images before the court are not of children from Ireland.
He thanked the National Protective Services Bureau, the National Cyber Crimes Unit and investigating gardaí for their work in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.
