Suspended sentence for man found in possession of child sex abuse material
Court considers that the man suffered a severe spinal injury some years ago
A man was handed a suspended sentence on Monday after being found in possession of child sexual abuse material.
Geoffrey Farrugia was accused of sharing child sexual abuse material featuring children under the age of nine and being in possession of such material. He initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty.
Psychiatrist Rachel Taylor East testified in the proceedings, telling the court that the accused had suffered grievous spinal injuries years ago, and this caused both physical and mental trauma.
She suggested that he should not be given an effective prison term due to his vulnerable physical and mental health state.
The court observed that the two charges brought against Farrugia carried a prison term. The material found on his devices included explicit sexual activity, assault, children subject to torture and bestiality. The punishment in such cases would vary between two to five years. The court also considered other factors, including the man’s previous suicide thoughts and the fact that he had shown remorse for his actions.
It ruled that in this case, a suspended sentence would give him the opportunity to reform himself.
Farrugia was handed a two-year prison term suspended for four years and he will be listed on the registry of sex offenders. A five-year treatment order was issued. Farrugia was ordered to pay €425 in court expenses. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the electronic equipment in favour of the government and the destruction of the data. Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit presided. Police inspector Marcus Cachia prosecuted.