Bettystown man found in possession of child abuse material

The employer of a Bettystown man found in possession of child pornography told Trim Court “no matter what happens today I'll look after him”.

This was during the sentence hearing of Oliver Crowley (49), from Castlemartin, Bettystown who pleaded guilty to possession of child abuse material, also referred to as child pornography.

Detective Garda Jamie McKeown told the court on 17th February 2024 child abuse material was reportedly distributed on a social media app named Kik. Following further investigations a warrant was executed at the accused’s address on 11th January last year and a phone was seized. It was analysed and four images were discovered showing girls aged 9 to 14 years old in exposed positions.

He was arrested and interviewed where he confirmed he owned the phone, telling Gardaí he was “coked out of his head when he was doing this”. He said he wasn't actively looking for these types of images and denied being aroused by them but took full responsibility for his actions.

The court heard Mr Crowley came clean to his employer of 14 years regarding the prosecution and sought help from him. His employer came to the stand to speak on behalf of the accused during sentencing, telling the court he is a trusted employee and good friend. His employer said he tried to help and advise Mr Crowley during his divorce and after he was told about this prosecution. He told the court the accused has come a long way and called him a “top guy”.

Defending Barrister Niall Gallagher told the court his client’s relationship with his wife broke down during this time and he spiralled into drug and alcohol abuse while doing these actions online but has since addressed these issues. BL Gallagher said the volume and nature of the images is consistent with someone spiralling.

The defending barrister said Mr Crowley is grateful Gardaí did not wake his daughter during the search and “were it not for your intervention” it may have gotten worse. He has attended 17 counselling sessions on his own expense and is determined to make sure this does not happen again.

Judge John Martin accepted that the accused’s life “was out of control but you got that life back on track again”.

Judge Martin said to the accused to imagine if his daughter was abused in this fashion and the “knock on the door was the wake up call you needed”.

Mr Crowley was given a 15 months fully suspended sentence and will be on the sex offender registry for five years since he confirmed his signed plea.