Monday, March 14, 2011

"People that are supposed to be counsellors"

Trigger warning for child abuse

Although I tend not to complain about court sentences, since I typically regard those involved as closer to the situation and able to better assess the whole dynamic (such as criminal's remorse, etc.) CBC has been covering a story lately that pissed me off intensely.

Jason Keough was found guilty of possessing child pornography, copying voyeuristic materials, and voyeurism early this January and sentencing is scheduled to occur on May 6th. Two aspects of this case caused me so much anger that I spat my cranberry juice all over my netbook.

How did Keough obtain the child pornography (Or child sex abuse material, as it is currently under review to be called)? Simple; he set up a camera, then recorded as underage children, who were apparently living with him, had sex in front of it. The court has ruled, however, that this is apparently not "making child pornography", despite the facts that: he was found guilty of possessing child pornography, the tapes were considered child porn, and he created the tapes. There were further cases where he coerced the underage kids to make the porn themselves, by threatening to put the girl into foster care. (Incidentally, perhaps we should look hard at a system of "helping kids" that is apparently so bad a girl would rather make porn than be part of it)

The other thing that bothers me is that the crown is seeking 15 to 18 months in prison, while the defense is asking for a 45 day sentence. Take a look at those numbers. This man exploited children, three young couples, repeatedly, over three years, while being in a position of authority as a child care worker, for his own base gratification, has been described as showing no remorse, and the courts believe a year and a bit will 'fix' him. It is my informal assessment that this man is a pedophile, that his voyeuristic taping could be considered "child molesting" and that this man should be scheduled for either intensive therapy or a needle. I hope his sentence includes a ban from pornography and video cameras, and registry on Canada's sex offender list. 

It is ridiculous to me that such blatant abuse as voyeurism is not classified as sexual abuse. This case makes me sick. 

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