Lay Minister Jailed for Having "Severe" Child Porn Images

Barry Duggan
January 25, 2013

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/courts/lay-minister-jailed-for-having-severe-child-porn-images-3364258.html

A CHURCH of Ireland lay minister who had severe child pornography images in a computer folder marked 'Papist Humour' has been sentenced to five months' imprisonment.

Passing sentence at Limerick District Court, Judge Eugene O'Kelly said it was a concerning factor that Ger Fitzgerald (62) sought out work as a primary school caretaker in Limerick when he had an appetite for child pornography.

He was charged with possessing 13 child pornography images on March 19, 2010.

Fitzgerald of Grianan, Corbally, Co Clare, pleaded not guilty. His barrister said that his client did not knowingly have them in his possession.

The original images were deleted but trace images were found in the computer.

A garda said some of the pornography was at the most severe and grave level.

They involved children aged between six and 10 years old being raped by adults.

Fitzgerald worked as a lay minister at St Michael's church in Pery Square, Limerick.

Judge O'Kelly granted leave to appeal the case.