Former hospital worker jailed for possession of child sex abuse images and videos

A 35 year old hospital worker was sentenced to three years in prison after 56 videos and 11 images of child sex abuse were found in his possession following a drug search.

Gavin Commons (35), of no fixed abode pleaded guilty to possession and distribution of child sex abuse videos and images, also referred to as child pornography.

Detective Garda Matthew McKenna told the court on 6th October 2023 a search warrant was executed under the misuse of drugs act at Mr Commons’ address at the time in Duleek. Cocaine valued at €2,140 was seized in his bedroom from the pocket of a hospital porter uniform along with cash.

Mr Commons’ phone was also seized which when inspected was found to contain images and videos of child sex abuse. This led to Gardai working alongside US authorities leading to a total of 56 videos and 11 images being discovered.

The court heard these videos and images were of the upper end of extreme, showing very young children clearly distressed with violence inflicted on them. These images were shared on the app Kik with five videos being published five times and two images published four times. This was in order for the accused to get access to the chats and be provided with more child pornography and he was able to order specific types of videos.

Mr Commons was arrested and interviewed where he made full admissions and he pleaded guilty in court.

His most recent conviction was for a breach of a safety order taking place on 6th March this year which he was in custody for at the time of sentencing. The court heard his father and sister placed a safety order against him after the child sex abuse allegations came to light and when his mother passed away which meant he was removed from the family home.

The accused was working in a hospital for 15 years until these offences came to light and he was soon suspended then subsequently dismissed from his employment.

Judge John Martin said the summary of the videos and images “make for difficult reading” involving violence being used against children. He also said the fact Mr Commons described what he wanted is a disturbing part of this case and in the probation report it said he had limited insights on the effects of his criminality which Judge Martin said is “astonishing” that people cant have full remorse for these victims.

Defending Barrister SC Roderick O’Hanlon told the court his client knows and understands the trauma inflicted on the children in those images and videos and realises the significance of these offences.

SC O’Hanlon said he would need ongoing therapeutic intervention. He previously engaged in residential treatment for drug and alcohol abuse but relapsed soon after.

Mr Commons was sentenced to three years in prison with an additional twelve months suspended for two years following his release. He will also be on the sex offender register indefinitely.