Crown is asking for a five year sentence for a convicted pedophile known as ‘swirl face’.
Former Maple Ridge teacher Christopher Neil pleaded guilty in December to five charges relating to sex crimes he committed in Canada and overseas.
He gained international attention after being the target of the largest-ever international manhunt by Interpol.
In 2007 he was arrested based on an online photograph of someone abusing boys. The suspect’s face was disguised with a swirl but police unscrambled the image to reveal Neil.
He was then branded ‘swirl face’ by international media.
Neil will get credit for time served, which equates to four years and 48 days. Crown is also asking for three years probation and a lifetime ban on parks, schools and Internet access.
Child advocates are worried the punishment won’t fit the crime.
“Under Section 163 of the Criminal Code, he could get up to 10 years and I don’t know why the Crown hasn’t asked for the full, maximum sentence,” said Doug Stead, child protection advocate.