(CBC News) – A former RCMP officer has been jailed in Gander, N.L., until his sentencing for having child porn on a computer.
Justice Raymond Halley found Hank Johnston, 72, guilty Wednesday of possession of child pornography.
Court heard the RCMP found 20 videos that were considered child pornography on a computer and external hard drive confiscated from Johnston.
“I’ll just say they’re child exploitation images of varying degrees,” Crown attorney Jerred Moore told CBC News.
Johnston was one of 57 people arrested in March 2009 in Operation Salvo, a Canada-wide child pornography sweep the RCMP said was its biggest ever.
He sat with his head down as Halley viewed some of the pornographic videos in open court. His lawyer, Gerald Ralph, said Johnston had no sexual interest in child pornography, and that he was just curious.
But Ralph admitted the video was repulsive, abhorrent and disgusting.
Johnston, a former RCMP staff sergeant who retired in 1992, told court what he did was stupid. He said he’s become a recluse since being charged, and he described waking up every day one of the most difficult things he has to do.
The judge ordered Johnston be held in jail after his conviction. He is to appear in court again Friday for sentencing.
His lawyer is asking for a sentence of three to six months, while the Crown recommends 20 months followed by three years probation.
I would opine that the advent of the personal computer has presented those of that bent to indulge in that filth to a great degree.
The RCMP had issues during your mentioned tenure, such as convicted drug traffickers and puppets of organized crime. FYI D., this is the era of the “Stongs” bomber. Issues with substance abuse were not headline news, but dealt with internally. At least management had a freer hand to deal with issues, and did. In this day and age, the public do not believe that the RCMP can effectively do so. Given the state of labor law, human rights tribunals, and endless appeals, its not a surprise.
Hot debate. What do you think?
6 
6
The Force definitely is not hiring the right people these days. During my tenure 1962-1982, you never had an instance of child porn, human rights complaints by members nor did we have any issues with hiring the right people. Quotas on visible minorities including female members does not do the Force justice.
Hot debate. What do you think?
5 
8