May 30, 2008 - Toronto – The Supreme Court ofCanada has strongly endorsed the rights of children to be free from Internetchild abuse in a ruling released today. By a majority of 8-1 the Court held that a man who abused his daughterand her friend, recorded images of the abuse for distribution over theInternet, and possessed a large child abuse image collection, should receive asentence of fifteen years and thereafterbe supervised for ten years as a Long Term Offender.
The Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the Quebec Courtof Appeal which had reduced the sentence to nine years. The Supreme Court restored the originalsentence imposed by the trial judge.
Paul Gillespie, CEO of KINSA, the Kids’ Internet SafetyAlliance, said, “this case acknowledges the voices of children, who for yearshave suffered silently from the devastating impact of online child abuse. It sends a clear and much needed message thatInternet child abuse is one of the most destructive crimes one can commit in anera when so many of our children are on lineâ€.
KINSA Legal Director David Butt said that “the Supreme Courthas sent a powerful message to courts across Canada about the appropriate range of sentencing for crimes of this type. It is now up to courts across Canada to follow the Supreme Court’s leadership.†Butt added that “this case has important implications internationally aswell. Internet child abuseinvestigations are commonly international in scope. Canada’s sentences for Internet child abusecrimes have been sadly far below the appropriate international norms and withtoday’s ruling hope the trend is reversed and that we are on the way tocorrecting that sad fact.â€
About KINSA
The Kids’ Internet Safety Alliance (KINSA) was establishedas an aggressive and proactive response to the negative aspects of the Internetthat harm young people. While addressing this grave social problem, KINSA alsoacknowledges and celebrates the positive, creative and inspiring ways childrenand youth are using the Internet.
For further information, contact Michael Ras, Vice Chair647-228-2339Mike.ras@hillandknowlton.ca
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