National

Ottawa judge sentences teen prostitution ringleader to 6 1/2 years

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Nov, 2014 10:50 AM

OTTAWA — An Ottawa judge has handed the so-called ring leader of a teenaged prostitution ring a 6 1/2-year sentence, after deciding to sentence her as an adult.

With credit for time served, the now 18-year-old has three years remaining on her sentence.

She was convicted earlier this year of more than two dozen charges, including human trafficking, forcible confinement and assault.

The girl was just 15 when arrested, but Justice Diane Lahaie says it is clear she ran a well-organized and sophisticated human trafficking enterprise.

Her lawyers were seeking a youth sentence but the Crown had asked that she be sentenced as an adult.

Lahaie says a youth sentence would not properly reflect the girl's crimes or hold her accountable.

Court heard the girl used social media sites to befriend girls aged 13 to 17, then forced them into prostitution.

She has been in police custody since she was arrested in June 2012.

Two other teens accused in the case pleaded guilty to several charges in September.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Speed up land claims disputes in the courts, aboriginal leader tells legal group

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The leader of an organization representing Labrador Inuit is challenging the legal community to speed up the process in which aboriginal land claims wind through the courts so that generations aren't left waiting for answers.

Speed up land claims disputes in the courts, aboriginal leader tells legal group

Canada Commits Cargo Planes To Ship Arms For Kurdish Fighters In Iraq

OTTAWA - Two of Canada's military cargo planes will soon be ferrying weapons to Kurdish forces in northern Iraq — and the Harper government sounds prepared to do even more to counter the "barbarous attacks" of hard-line Islamic militants.

Canada Commits Cargo Planes To Ship Arms For Kurdish Fighters In Iraq

Fourteen-year-old Cali Bruce aims for record in long-distance charity swim to P.E.I.

HALIFAX - Cali Bruce will use memories of a cousin who battled cancer to motivate her as she swims across the normally choppy waters of the Northumberland Strait on Sunday in what could be a record-breaking effort for the 14-year-old girl.

Fourteen-year-old Cali Bruce aims for record in long-distance charity swim to P.E.I.

Tests OK, But First Nation Wants Long-Term Studies Before Consuming Fish

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. - Tests on water and trout in the waterways around a tailings pond breach in B.C.'s Interior remain within guidelines, but local First Nations aren't convinced the disaster won't have lasting repercussions.

Tests OK, But First Nation Wants Long-Term Studies Before Consuming Fish

Protesters Interrupt John Baird's Speech In London, Ontario

LONDON, Ont. - Protesters who oppose Canada's position in the Israel-Palestinian conflict interrupted a speech Friday by Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird in London, Ont.

Protesters Interrupt John Baird's Speech In London, Ontario

B.C. Aboriginal Leaders Meet To Talk Strategy Over Historic Land Claim Ruling

VANCOUVER - British Columbia's First Nations leaders are discussing whether they need to resolve their own territorial disputes in order to benefit from a landmark Supreme Court of Canada ruling.