A video-shop owner yesterday had his prison sentence doubled for having pornographic films on his premises with intent to supply.
Stephen Joyce, of Ballymoe, Co Galway, had been convicted at Castlerea District Court last month of having the pornographic material and had received a three-month prison sentence and a fine of £500. Yesterday at Roscommon Circuit Court he appealed the severity of that sentence.
The court heard how 109 video cassettes were confiscated from the video shop at Patrick Street, Castlerea, Co Roscommon, by Sgt John Hynes on May 12th. Sgt Hynes said he had been informed by the Censorship Office that two of the titles were on the prohibited list.
Mr Des Dockery, defending, said Mr Joyce was a respectable family man who had never been in court before and had since left the video business.
Judge Anthony Kennedy said such cases were difficult to get a conviction on and he noted Mr Joyce had fought the case in the District Court. He saw no merit in the appeal and increased the prison sentence from three months to six and the fine to £700.
Later in the court session, the judge was asked by Mr Dockery to reconsider his decision as his client ran two shops which employed 15 people. There was a real possibility he would have to lay off staff if he went to prison. He was also required to travel to China to buy goods for his business.
Judge Kennedy said he was not willing to hear belated explanations but agreed to adjourn the issuing of the warrant until the June sitting of the court when he would consider the question of Mr Joyce's visa to travel to China.