Thursday, November 13, 2014

No Jail Time For Teen Who Took Photo That Led A Rape Victim To Commit Suicide

The accused was ordered to register a DNA sample with the state, apologize to Rehtaeh Parsons’ family, and it was suggested that he take a sexual harassment course.



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A Halifax court ruled on Thursday that no jail time or probation would be given to the young man responsible for the photo that led Rehtaeh Parsons to kill herself in April 2013.


A judge for the Halifax Provincial Court imposed a mandatory DNA sample and ordered that the accused apologize to Rehtaeh Parsons' family. He also recommended he attend a sexual harassment course.


Last month, the now-20-year-old man who took the photo — showing his friend penetrating Parsons from behind while giving a thumbs-up sign — pled guilty to one count of manufacturing child pornography.


No Canadian media outlet was allowed to refer to Rehtaeh Parsons by name while covering the case. The media ban is due to a Canadian law that requires judges to prohibit the publication of information that could identify victims of child pornography under any and all circumstances.


During the sentencing on Thursday, according to reporters live tweeting the ruling, the judge said it was a very difficult sentencing. He called the photo a "stark example of the objectification of girls and women."


"Defendant has lived with what he did for three years," the judge told the court. "The past 14 months have been particularly difficult. He's not as blameworthy as an adult."


The judge called the act vile and at one point asked the accused if he would have taken the photo if his sister were in the same situation. "People all have phones in their hands and they're documenting everything. This was not a moment to be documenting," the judge said.


Rehtaeh Parsons' father, Glen Canning, told reporters that justice wasn't served.


Rehtaeh Parsons' mother, Leah Parsons, told the court that Rehtaeh never had mental health issues before the photo was taken and shared. Parsons' mother went on to explain that she didn't want the accused to do time in jail. She believes that he is remorseful and hopes he learns the value of women and respects them.




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