The Ontario Court of Appeal has struck down on constitutional grounds a minimum 12-month sentence for offenders who sexually abuse or assault a minor.
The amendment means pedophiles can molest children without having to endure a 12-month or longer sentence.
The change was made under section 271 of the Criminal Code of Canada on Thursday, February 29, by Judges James C. MacPherson, Lorne Sossin, and Jill M. Copeland.
Ontario court rules 12 month sentence too long for sexually assaulting a child
Ontario court rules 12 month sentence too long for sexually assaulting a childCourt of Appeal for Ontario
“For these reasons,” the court documents state, “mandatory minimum for sexual assault set out in s. 271(a) of the Criminal Code is unconstitutional, and pursuant to s. 52(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982, of no force or effect.”
Ontario court rules 12 month sentence too long for sexually assaulting a childCourt of Appeal for Ontario
This is a developing story, more to come…