National

13 years for Amanda Todd's tormentor

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Oct, 2022 03:07 PM

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. - A British Columbia judge has sentenced a man she called an "internet sextortionist" to 13 years in prison for tormenting British Columbia teen Amanda Todd before she died by suicide.

Justice Martha Devlin of the B.C. Supreme Court says Aydin Coban's calculated conduct caused the girl mental anguish and social isolation, contributing to her suicide after he told Todd he would ruin her life.

The sentence is longer than the 12 years suggested by the Crown, but Devlin said Coban's conduct calls for "sharp rebuke."

The story of the 15-year-old girl gained worldwide attention when she posted a video weeks before her death in 2012 using flash cards to explain how she was harassed and extorted by an anonymous online predator.

Devlin says Coban used an arsenal of fake social media sites and went to great lengths to search out Todd's family members and friends to maximize the harm after she pleaded for him to stop.

More coming.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

At least 40 displaced by Vancouver explosion, fire

Dozens of people have been left without a home after an apparent explosion sparked a fire between two buildings in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Assistant Fire Chief Pierre Morin with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services says social services staff are trying to house at least 40 people from the single-room occupancy hotels.

At least 40 displaced by Vancouver explosion, fire

B.C. union bans overtime to back wage demands

The ban will not apply to members working in the BC Wildfire Service during the current wildfire season. Last week, the 33,000-member union set up pickets around liquor distribution outlets to back demands like wage protection against inflation.

B.C. union bans overtime to back wage demands

Shooting in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood on Sunday

The initial investigation has revealed that one vehicle, described as a silver SUV, was chasing another, described as a newer model black sedan. It is currently suspected that shots originated from the occupants of the black sedan.

Shooting in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood on Sunday

Individuals being drugged & robbed while utilizing escort services throughout Surrey

These occurrences are concerning as they pose a high risk to the health and safety of the individuals being drugged with unknown substances. If you have been drugged, it is highly recommended that you seek medical assistance immediately. Police believe that there are likely additional victims who are reluctant to make a police report.

Individuals being drugged & robbed while utilizing escort services throughout Surrey

3 stranger assaults in Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood in 2 hours

“Three violent attacks happened in close proximity to each other within a short time-frame,” says Constable Tania Visintin. “At this time, investigators are trying to determine if any of the assaults are related.”

3 stranger assaults in Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood in 2 hours

Identity fraud results in $5K purchase and an arrest in Surrey: Port Moody Police

In June of 2022, a victim of identity fraud contacted Port Moody Police after discovering a credit card was opened in their name and a $5000 purchase had been made on said credit card. The investigator was able to trace the fraudulent transaction and identify suspect. This lead the investigation to multiple properties in Surrey including a secure storage facility.