'Porn' schoolgirl found

A schoolgirl featured in a pornographic image which has been circulated to hundreds of mobile phones has been identified, Irish police said today.

An investigation into the origins of the picture was launched almost two weeks ago when a complaint was made to gardai in Cork.

Specialised computer software was used to enhance the image which enabled officers to depict the crest on the girl's uniform. It is believed she is a pupil at a Dublin school.

The picture has been circulated to hundreds of mobile phones spanning at least three counties.

A garda spokesman said the the investigation was being handled with the highest degree of sensitivity, adding that they had no intention of identifying either the girl or the school she attends.

He warned the media that attempts to identify her would be counter productive to the investigation.

Officers were now working to establish who was responsible for distributing the image, he said.

During the initial stages of the inquiry gardai warned that anybody found knowingly in possession of the image is committing an offence under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, which carries a maximum jail sentence of five years.

Distribution of the picture could result in a 14-year jail term, they said.
The Cork-based Copine Project, which investigates the exchange of information among paedophiles, has been helping gardai with the investigation.