KELOWNA – There’s no doubt there was child porn on the computer equipment.
But was it the former or the current RCMP officer who put it there?
The trial started Monday in Kelowna for former Vernon Mountie Ryan David Victor Hampton, 37, who is accused of accessing and possessing child pornography.
His ex-wife, RCMP Cst. Valerie Little, claims she found dozens of illegal images of girls and boys on Hampton’s lap top computer and a memory stick in April 2013.
The court heard the couple had a violent relationship and were heading for divorce.
Hampton was addicted to heroin, cocaine and alcohol at the time.
His lawyer claims Hampton’s vulnerable condition allowed his wife to download the child porn onto his computer without him knowing it, saying Little allegedly did that so she would come out ahead in the divorce.
“She wanted the children, she wanted the child support, she wanted all the equity in the home. Ms. Little devised a plan that cost this man his career, his reputation, his house and his family,” says defence counsel Jason Tarnow.
Hampton is also charged with six counts of breaching undertakings for communicating with Little while under a no-contact order.
He’s also accused of obstruction of justice for allegedly telling her not to make any further statements to investigators.
And Cst. Little also got into trouble with her bosses, because after finding the child porn, she waited a month before handing over the incriminating evidence.
- B.C. Conservative leader pledges not to ‘reopen the abortion debate’
- A look inside the now-sidelined ‘floatel’ meant to house LNG workers near Squamish
- South Surrey restaurant forced to close after suspicious fire, more criminal acts reported
- Canfor to shutter B.C. sawmill, curtail Prince George pulp mill
Little testified she was trying to give Hampton the benefit of the doubt when he said he thought he was downloading pictures of young women and not children.
Little also says she was apprehensive about ruining her husband’s RCMP career.
But the defence lawyer claims Little delayed going to senior officers because she was threatening Hampton to sign over everything in the divorce if he wanted her to keep quiet.
The trial is scheduled for two weeks.
Hampton also faces charges in Alberta where he was arrested after resigning from the RCMP.
He’s accused of impaired driving and possessing stolen property.
It’s alleged a police light bar and siren were found in Hampton’s vehicle.
Comments