Christopher John Temple

A 25-year-old man from Londonderry, Christopher John Temple, has been sentenced for possessing and downloading indecent images of children. Temple, residing at Barnwall Place, admitted to nine charges related to downloading 30 such images onto his work and home computers during the period from 2004 to 2005.

The case came to light when authorities discovered four indecent images on Temple's work computer during his placement at the Red Fox IT company on Ebrington Terrace. At the time, Temple was on a work placement from the North West Centre for Learning Development. The images depicted semi-naked children, leading to his arrest by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

In Londonderry Magistrates Court, District Judge Barney McElholm imposed several restrictions and penalties on Temple. He was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of seven years and ordered to serve three years of probation. Additionally, Temple was banned from possessing a home computer and prohibited from engaging in computer-related employment unless he fully discloses his convictions to his line manager.

Further measures were put in place to protect children: Temple is not permitted to work in environments involving children and must not have access to anyone under the age of 18 without prior approval from social services. The court emphasised the seriousness of the offences, highlighting the need to prevent any potential risk to vulnerable individuals.

This sentencing reflects ongoing efforts by the PSNI and judicial authorities in Northern Ireland to combat the possession and distribution of child exploitation material. Temple's case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for such activities, with the court drawing on evidence from the downloaded images found on both personal and professional devices.