SELECTED CASE LAW

BRITISH COLUMBIA:

2013 BCPC 421

In 2013 BCPC 421, Mr. R was charged with possessing child pornography and luring a child.

During the investigation, an undercover police officer had posed as a 14-year-old girl on Nexopia, and had chatted with Mr. R on MSN Messenger. Mr. R said he always wanted to take a girl’s virginity, and asked if the undercover officer ever needed someone to help her babysit. He later tried to find out whether she was going to be home alone that evening and whether he could come by.

The police later discovered child pornography on Mr. R’s laptop, and learned that he had a pro-file on an adult site for members only. He had uploaded 31 images of his ex-girlfriend to online sites — at the times the photos were taken, his ex-girlfriend was 16-17 years old. Mr. R also distributed intimate videos using MSN Messenger. Mr. R had no criminal history, demonstrated remorse, and was noted as presenting a low risk of future offences.

The Court sentenced Mr. R to 90 days imprisonment for possessing child pornography, and 12 months in jail for luring, followed by three years’ probation.

 

Criminal Offence(s): Child Pornography Offences, Luring a Child