SELECTED CASE LAW
ONTARIO:
In 2015 ONSC 494, 18-year old Mr. A was released from custody prior to trial, but was ordered not to use any computer, cell phone, pager or internet device in the interim. A was charged with twelve offences, including advertising sexual services (286.4) and distributing child pornography (163.1). A and an unknown co-accused were alleged to have convinced their two 15-year-old female friends to provide sexually explicit photos, which were then used to advertise the complainants for sexual services. A allegedly posted the advertisements on the internet website Backpage, including explicit photos of the complainants, contact numbers and sexual services offered. The two complainants had allegedly never seen the ads. Evidence at the pre-trial custody hearing suggested that the complainants had been paid $700 for sexual services over a two day period. A’s cell phone (which allegedly had been used to post the ads) was seized at the time of his arrest.
Criminal Offence(s): Human Trafficking and Advertising Sexual Services