Keith Farrell given suspended sentence for possession of 2,868 child sexual abuse images
Keith Farrell, a 50-year-old man from Ballyfermot, Dublin, was found in possession of 2,868 images of child sexual abuse material on a MacBook seized from his home. Google supplied information to gardaí in May 2021 on foot of a court order, and a search of his home in October 2021 led to the seizure of the MacBook, on which the images were recovered from deleted files via software analysis. Farrell pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material. In March 2025, Judge Martin Nolan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court imposed a two-year sentence, suspended on strict conditions.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced6 Mar
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Farrell was found in possession of 2,868 images of child sexual abuse material in deleted files on a MacBook, of which more than 1,300 were of a sexual nature and 458 depicted child exposure.
- Farrell had uploaded four images of child sexual abuse material.
- When
- Google supplied information to gardaí in May 2021 on foot of a court order, and a search of his home in October 2021 led to the seizure of a MacBook.
- Where
- The search took place at Farrell's home on Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin.
- Investigation
- The 2,868 images were recovered from deleted files on the MacBook via software analysis.
- Charges
- Farrell pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material.
- In court
- The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Martin Nolan.
- Sentence
- In March 2025, Judge Nolan imposed a two-year sentence, suspended on strict conditions.
- Other details
- Farrell was present during the search, co-operated, and made full admissions when interviewed.
- Farrell has no previous convictions and has not come to Garda attention since.
- Farrell is a carer for his mother, has a difficult upbringing, and is not working due to health issues.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatFarrell had uploaded four images of child sexual abuse material. (irishtimes.com)
- what2,868 images were found in deleted files on the MacBook, recovered via software analysis. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMore than 1,300 of the 2,868 images were of a sexual nature. (irishtimes.com)
- whatA further 458 images depicted child exposure. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGoogle supplied information to gardaí in May 2021 on foot of a court order. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationA search of his home in October 2021 led to the seizure of a MacBook. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe judge imposed a two-year sentence, suspended on strict conditions. (irishtimes.com)
- otherFarrell was present during the search and co-operated, and made full admissions when interviewed. (irishtimes.com)
- otherFarrell has no previous convictions and has not come to Garda attention since. (irishtimes.com)
- otherFarrell has a work history in construction and DJs socially, but is not working due to health issues and is receiving social welfare. (irishtimes.com)
- otherFarrell had a difficult upbringing and turned to drink and drugs to cope. (irishtimes.com)
- otherFarrell is a carer for his mother. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 6 Mar2025Man found with 2,868 child sexual abuse images is spared jail
Sentencing hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two-year suspended sentence on strict conditions, noting the absence of aggravating factors and following higher court guidance on non-custodial options.
convicted, Keith Farrell, 50, male, named, irish (judged from name)Keith Farrell