The 39-year-old accused pleaded guilty to having possessed 3 images of child pornography.
Defence Action
We carefully worked with our client exploring his background and counselling. At the sentencing hearing, we effectively emphasized the mitigating circumstances which included: his youth, lack of criminal record and openness to rehabilitative counselling. We submitted that he could serve a jail sentence in the community.
Decision
The presiding Supreme Court Justice decided that the joint submission negotiated between Crown and defence was appropriate. Our client was sentenced to 6 months of jail in the community which allowed him to continue living in his home and working at his job. Furthermore, he was given 2 years of probation focused on rehabilitation and taking appropriate counselling.
Regina v N.V.H, [2019] BCSC Salmon Arm Registry: 23932