National

Crown seeks 12 years for Amanda Todd harasser

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Oct, 2022 09:41 AM

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. - A Dutch national returns to British Columbia Supreme Court as his multi-day sentencing for child sexploitation resumes.

The Crown is seeking a 12-year prison term for 44-year-old Aydin Coban, who was convicted in August of several offences related to an unrelenting online attack aimed at Port Coquitlam teen Amanda Todd.

She endured three years of online stalking and abuse as Coban hid behind aliases and threatened and blackmailed her, before she took her own life in 2012 when she was 15.

Coban was not charged in connection with the death, but the Crown has told his hearing that the sextortion scheme was "morally repugnant," he refuses rehabilitation, is at a high risk to reoffend and must be separated from society for a lengthy period.

Any sentence could be added to 11 years Coban is already serving in the Netherlands for similar offences, and the Crown is recommending the Canadian sentence be served after the Dutch penalty ends.

Crown counsel Louise Kenworthy says Coban's defence lawyer plans to ask that any Canadian punishment be served at the same time as Coban completes his Dutch term.

The sentencing hearing is expected to continue all week in New Westminster.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Most Canadians indifferent to monarchy: poll

The poll from Leger and the Association of Canadian Studies also found that while some Canadians are happy about King Charles III taking the throne and others are not, most are largely indifferent to Canada’s new head of state.

Most Canadians indifferent to monarchy: poll

Liberals announce cost-of-living help

Until now, the government has said it is helping through existing policies, such as child care agreements with the provinces and automatic annual increases to programs like the GST rebate and Canada Child Benefit, as well as 2021 budget promises to increase benefits for seniors and low-income workers.

Liberals announce cost-of-living help

Canada donates up to $28 million for Pakistan

Emergency food, water, sanitation and health services are badly needed after monsoon rains over the last three months have left more than one-third of the country underwater. More than 33 million people are affected by the floods and with much of the country's agricultural land underwater, the Pakistani government is warning of an impending food shortage.

Canada donates up to $28 million for Pakistan

Warmer fall expected across much of Canada

The network says in its fall forecast that much of Canada can expect warmer-than-normal conditions throughout September before temperatures start to drop in October. It says the amount of precipitation will vary across the country, though most parts will see fewer storms than usual.

Warmer fall expected across much of Canada

Monday is federal holiday for Queen's funeral

Speaking at a caucus retreat in New Brunswick today, Trudeau says "declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday is going to be important." He says the government will be working with provinces and territories to ensure they're "aligned."

Monday is federal holiday for Queen's funeral

Smoke from B.C. wildfires spreads to Alberta

Environment Canada is maintaining advisories for a portion of northeast B.C. and the southern half of the province and has extended air quality statements across southern Alberta. It warns that fine particulates contained in the smoke are likely to increase through the day.