A disturbing case unfolded in Cranbrook Provincial Court on Monday morning as a local man pleaded guilty to child pornography charges and was given mandatory minimum sentencing.
The man, who is 60 years old and mentally disabled, was sentenced to one year in jail for one count and six months for another count, which are to be served concurrently to be followed by three years of probation.
In a sentencing hearing, both the crown and defence jointly submitted that the accused, who has an IQ of 65, thought he was helping police gather evidence on child predators by engaging in the distribution of child pornography through an email system using female-centric email addresses.
Justice Ron Webb noted that it was a tough case because he was bound by the politics of mandatory minimum sentencing, and that instead of getting help, the man is going to jail.
"I'm obligated to do what I'm obligated to do," Webb said.
The man's name will be submitted to the sex offender's registry and he will be subject to a number of probation conditions in regards to limiting his access to the internet along with court orders to prevent him from being alone with those under the age of 14 years without another adult being present.