A man from Killea, found to be in possession of child sexual abuse material at his home, has been given a year to demonstrate genuine insight into his actions.
Judge John Aylmer informed Terence Steele that a positive probation report would be required upon his return to court next year.
Steele, who informed Letterkenny Circuit Court that he has received a death threat since the matter became public, has reportedly made some denials during assessments by the Probation Service.
The court was told that the 51-year-old, residing at Ashlea Grove, Killea – where 10 videos and three images constituting child pornography were discovered – denies a sexual interest in children. He also claims he was not actively seeking the material, asserting that he was unaware of it and did not request it.
Judge Aylmer stated that the offense warranted an initial sentence of two years in prison before mitigating factors were considered.
He emphasized the need for accountability and acknowledgement of the offending behavior.
Judge Aylmer deferred his final judgement, placing Steele under the supervision of the Probation Service for the next 12 months.
“Successful engagement is essential,” Judge Aylmer said. “Then I would be able to consider the imposition of a fully-suspended sentence, which is my desired outcome. However, I cannot proceed in that direction given the current level of denial and lack of engagement.”
Steele previously pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography, namely three unique images and ten unique video files, in violation of Section 6(1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998.
Detective Garda Donal Kelly informed Ms. Fiona Crawford BL, representing the State, that the files were found on a Google Pixel mobile phone belonging to Steele.
The investigation began after the activity was traced back to Steele via a Snapchat account.
Gardai, equipped with a search warrant, raided his home on May 18, 2022. Steele’s mobile phone was seized, and he provided his account names and potential passwords.
The phone was analyzed, and the incriminating material was discovered.
The ten videos were classified as explicit, representing the most severe category involving sexual activity between adults and children. Among the images, two depicted child exposure (category 2), and one was classified as child explicit.
Steele was interviewed at Letterkenny Garda Station. Detective Garda Kelly stated that Steele claimed he “wasn’t sure how they ended up on his phone.”
The court learned that Steele was active in adult chat forums at the time.
Steele told gardai that he was sent a file containing the material. However, Detective Garda Kelly informed the court that investigators determined that the files were downloaded on four separate dates.
Steele has no prior convictions and has not been in trouble since.
Taking the stand, Steele, through his barrister, Mr. Colm Smyth SC, accepted that he is “100% to blame” and expressed feeling “sickened by his behaviour.”
Steele, a father of three, described his actions as “horrific.”
Steele cried as he told the court about receiving a letter at his home threatening him with being shot.
He recounted witnessing his own father being shot three times when he was eight years old. His father was associated with the British Army, and they lived in a Republican area of Derry.
Following the shooting of his father, Steele said he began drinking and taking prescription pills at the age of 14. He told Judge Aylmer that he sometimes “struggles to explain myself.”
He has sought counselling for sex addiction and completed the Search For Change program. He has also been alcohol-free for three years.
Steele, who works part-time at a bed and breakfast, said his sole focus is now on his children and elderly parents.
He mentioned previous suicide attempts and struggles with remorse over his actions daily.
He said: “I feel guilty every day. It’s the first thing I think about when I get up every day.”
Steele now wants to help others with addictions and pleaded for leniency.
Steele’s wife also testified, stating that he has “improved 100%” and “works hard” for the family. She noted that they have been ostracized in their local community, where they have lived since 2003, and that her husband has “lost so many of his friends.”
“This has wrecked our lives,” she said, begging Judge Aylmer for leniency.
Mr. Smyth acknowledged his client’s “very serious” actions, referencing underlying childhood trauma and PTSD.
Mr. Smyth highlighted Steele’s strong effort toward rehabilitation and urged the judge to consider his early guilty plea and his responsibilities as a caregiver for his children and parents.
Killea man given a year to prove his insight into child abuse material was last modified: June 7th, 2025 by
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