Sentencing postponed for Mayo man caught with massive collection of child pornography

on 26/10/2012 12:00:33

A court has today postponed sentencing of a Co Mayo man who had one of the largest collections of child pornography ever found by gardaí to allow more time for him to be psychologically evaluated.

James Clarke of Devlis Cottage, Ballyhaunis, had more than 135,000 images and videos on his computer included involving shots of bondage, cruelty and bestiality.

Judge Patricia Ryan was due to sentence James Clarke today but she has put the case back until January in line with the recommendation of a psychological report that he should undergo further evaluation.

He remains in custody.

Along with admitting possession, the 58-year-old pleaded guilty to four counts of knowingly distributing child pornography at an address in Tallaght, Dublin in August 2010.

The court heard that Clarke was also using an email account to speak to a woman about keeping her and her 14-year-old daughter as sex slaves.

He has a previous conviction for sex with a minor in 1977.