Interpol alerted Navan gardai to a video containing child sexual abuse linked to IP address of accused

A 48-year-old man who was found in possession of a video showing a man sexually abusing and torturing a child was given a two year suspended sentence.

Christopher Rattigan, of Dean Cogan Place, Navan, was in Trim Circuit Court charged with possession of child sexual abuse material

The facts of the case were heard on 3rd February this year and Judge John Martin proposed a two year prison sentence but adjourned the matter to 28th April for finalisation.

Mr Rattigan has his sentence suspended for two years on condition he remains under probation services, completes 240 hours of community service, and does not download any porn within two years.

Detective Garda Kathryn Christie told the court in 2015 Interpol alerted Navan gardai of a video linked to the IP address of the accused. The court heard this contained footage of a male child being subjected to sexual abuse and torture by an adult male.

On 12th October 2015 a warrant was executed on the accused’s home and a number of electronics were seized including a tablet, hard drive, flash card, data traveller, desktop pc, and laptop.

The court heard an examination of the electronics was delayed due to a combination of the bureau’s immense pressure to examine exhibits and a change in personnel at that division. In September 2024 a report was made which found 66 images of young boys aged six months to 10 years old on the accused’s devices.

The accused was subsequently interviewed where he told Gardaí he had a difficult and solitary life in 2015 when he turned to pornography. He would download a vast amount of images from chat groups and told Gardaí during interview "if I did download, I would delete and nine out of ten times I would not view it". The court heard there was software on his device that would delete and remove the history of some downloads.

Judge John Martin said the children involved are “innocents who are abused, who are being exploited”. Judge Martin also said it is concerning how young they are with some being newborn babies.

Defending barrister Carl Hanahoe SC told the court the accused’s psychiatric assessment showed he had a sad and unusual upbringing through his childhood and adult life. He was extremely isolated with underlying mental health issues including significant social anxiety, autism, and trauma related distress.

SC Hanahoe told the court he was socially isolated following the death of his mother until the death of his father in 2021. The court heard his porn addiction was “utterly entrenched” for a number of years which he has rehabilitated from since. His porn addiction led him to more disturbing areas and the offending was part of a broader addiction.

The defending barrister told the court that since his detection the accused has engaged with SOSAD, reengaged with employment and sought assisted national learning network. He has been engaged in therapy since November 2024.

Judge Martin accepted the accused took steps to “make matters right” and stop himself from going down this route. The judge said “you have done a lot towards rehabilitation”.

Judge Martin said a sentence of two years was appropriate but put back the case to 28th April. This is for the preparation of a probation report, evidence the accused has engaged with SOSAD and the National Learning Body and for him to reengage with them, and maintain psychological therapy. The accused was not to download porn or come to adverse attention until that date. On 28th April the court heard he has done all of these tasks put to him and has engaged with a mental health therapist.

- Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme