SAINT JOHN – A former city councillor and youth worker in Saint John as been given an 18-year prison sentence for sexually abusing and making pornographic images of boys over a 12-year span.
Donnie Snook pleaded guilty to 46 charges including sexual assault and possessing, distributing and making child pornography.
The crimes began in January 2001 and went on until his arrest in January of this year.
They involved 17 boys, most of whom were from the Saint John area and between the ages of five and 15.
Provincial court Judge Alfred Brien said Snook abused his trust and it’s important for his victims to know that what happened isn’t their fault.
Snook’s sister Donna declined comment on the sentence, but said she thinks there should be mandatory counselling for the victims.
The Crown argued for a 21-year prison sentence, while the defence wanted a 12-year term.
Defence lawyer Dennis Boyle said the sentence was appropriate.
Snook was given 15 months credit for time already served, meaning he has 16 years and nine months left on his sentence.
He will be eligible for parole after serving one-third of that.
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