Ex-bus driver admits child pornography

Gareth McAuley (45), from Eglinton Street, Portrush, pleaded guilty to a total of 37 indecent images charges, including making, distributing and possessing indecent photographs between July 2012 and July 2013. The items were found during a search of his home, which was as a result of intelligence gathered in a Canadian investigation.

The Court heard McAuley had bought two DVDs containing child pornography which linked him to the investigation in Canada. His laptop was seized containing 854 indecent images and 123 indecent videos of young boys, the majority containing images of boys aged six to 10-years-old.

The prosecution said McAuley was a member of an organised network and was “actively seeking images of small boys” and the material was not the kind stumbled across. The content ranged from the least serious to the most serious category, which involved a sadistic element and the children depicted would have been in pain and distress.

Defence counsel Ivor McAteer said his client was suffering from mental health issues and a psychological assessment showed he no sexual interest in children.

Judge Philip Babington imposed a determinate sentence of three years, half of which will be spent in custody and half on licence. Placed on the sex offenders register he is subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for an indefinite period.