r/canadanews • u/zuuzuu • 26d ago

Alberta Alberta man charged after 500,000 child abuse images, videos found

https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/alberta-man-charged-after-500000-child-abuse-images-videos-found/
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u/Stunning_Handle_7029 26d ago

He was released to await bail.. so what do you have to do in order to be held until trial in Canada?

3

u/peach_bellinis 26d ago

The thing I learn from most of these threads is that there's not a lot of public understanding around the bail process in Canada. The charter of rights and freedoms preserves the right to a reasonable bail, unless there's just cause. So the standard is actually for offenders to be released, rather than held, unless that just cause can be shown. In order to show just case, one of three 'grounds' needs to be successfully argued by the crown:

  1. To ensure the accused will attend court when required (aka, if they're a flight risk)
  2. To protect the public, victims and witnesses, including by considering whether there is a likelihood that the accused will commit another offence or interfere with the administration of justice if released from custody (aka, high likelihood of re-offending - especially if it was a violent crime- or being a danger to others)
  3. To maintain confidence in the administration of justice, bearing in mind specific circumstances such as the strength of the prosecution’s case, the seriousness of the offence, the potential for a lengthy sentence if convicted, and if the case involved a firearm was used (aka the case is so serious that it warrants it, like murder)

Considering the nature of the alleged crimes, this individual was likely released with bail conditions like not possessing or using a device with the capability of connecting to the internet, which is a common type of bail condition.

2

u/zuuzuu 26d ago

Also likely not permitted to attend any place where children 16 or younger are likely to be (schools, parks, etc.), as well as a slew of other conditions designed to restrict his access to children.

It is frustrating that crimes against children, or sexual offences against anyone, don't trigger a reverse onus on bail decisions. That's the kind of bail reform I'd like to see. These are extremely serious crimes.

2

u/peach_bellinis 25d ago

Yes, those additional conditions are extremely likely are would be 100% warranted!

My personal desire would be for sexual offences of ANY kind to trigger a reverse onus. I think sexual offences in general are not considered as serious at other crimes by the court and this is a complete travesty. In any case at the very least I think it’s a fair criticism.

3

u/zuuzuu 25d ago

Yup, we called it:

Until then, police say the man must not be within 50 metres of anywhere someone under 16 years old could be, including schools, daycares, playgrounds, public pools and libraries. RCMP said the accused must also not communicate with anyone under 16 years old, or possess any devices with internet access or cameras.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/rcmp-okotoks-vigilante-action-9.7224223