Child Luring (Offence): Difference between revisions
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{{ | [[fr:Leurre d'enfants (infraction)]] | ||
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{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderOffences}} | {{LevelZero}}{{HeaderOffences}} | ||
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{{Proving|child luring under 14|172.1(1)(c)}}<ref> | {{Proving|child luring under 14|172.1(1)(c)}}<ref> | ||
{{CanLIIRP|Alicandro|22h4d|2009 ONCA 133 (CanLII)|246 CCC (3d) 1}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}}<br> | {{CanLIIRP|Alicandro|22h4d|2009 ONCA 133 (CanLII)|246 CCC (3d) 1}}{{perONCA-H|Doherty JA}}<br> | ||
{{CanLIIRx|Quinones|fqbvb|2012 BCCA 94 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA| Hinkson JA}}{{atL|fqbvb|5}}<br> | {{CanLIIRx|Quinones|fqbvb|2012 BCCA 94 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA| Hinkson JA}}{{atL|fqbvb|5}}<br> | ||
{{CanLIIRP|Legare|26vbx|2009 SCC 56 (CanLII)|[2009] 3 SCR 551}}{{perSCC-H|Fish J}}{{atL|26vbx|9}}<br> | {{CanLIIRP|Legare|26vbx|2009 SCC 56 (CanLII)|[2009] 3 SCR 551}}{{perSCC-H|Fish J}}{{atL|26vbx|9}}<br> | ||
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The offence will "crystallize" and becomes complete before any actions are taken on the part of the accused to execute the secondary offence.<ref> | The offence will "crystallize" and becomes complete before any actions are taken on the part of the accused to execute the secondary offence.<ref> | ||
{{CanLIIRx|Collins|fz4z5|2013 ONCA 392 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}} | {{CanLIIRx|Collins|fz4z5|2013 ONCA 392 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}} | ||
</ref> | |||
When present, acts of "grooming"—a process which allows the offender to forge a close relationship with a victim to gain trust, compliance and secrecy for the purpose of eventually engaging in sexualization and abuse"—must be considered.<Ref> | |||
{{CanLIIR|Bertrand Marchand|k0x8n|2023 SCC 26 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Martin J}}{{atsL|k0x8n|51| to 54}} | |||
</ref> | </ref> | ||
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; Maximum Penalties | ; Maximum Penalties | ||
{{SProfileMaxHeader}} | {{SProfileMaxHeader}} | ||
{{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> | {{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> | {{summary}} | {{Max2YearsLess}} }} | ||
{{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> | {{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> | {{indictment}} | {{Max14Years}} }}<!-- | ||
{{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> June 22, 2007 to July 15, 2015 | {{summary}} | {{Max18Months}} }} | {{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> June 22, 2007 to July 15, 2015 | {{summary}} | {{Max18Months}} }} | ||
{{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> June 22, 2007 to Until July 15, 2015 | {{indictment}} | {{Max10Years}} }} | {{SProfileMax|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> June 22, 2007 to Until July 15, 2015 | {{indictment}} | {{Max10Years}} }} --> | ||
{{SProfileEnd}} | {{SProfileEnd}} | ||
{{MaxPenaltyHybrid|s. 172.1|'''{{Max10Years}}'''|'''{{Max18Months}}'''}} | {{MaxPenaltyHybrid|s. 172.1|'''{{Max10Years}}'''|'''{{Max18Months}}'''}} | ||
<!-- | |||
; Minimum Penalties | ; Minimum Penalties | ||
{{SProfileMinHeader}} | {{SProfileMinHeader}} | ||
{{SProfileMin|s. 172.1 [child luring] | {{SProfileMin|s. 172.1 [child luring] | {{summary}} | {{Min90Days}}| Same}} | ||
{{SProfileMin|s. 172.1 [child luring] | {{SProfileMin|s. 172.1 [child luring] | {{indictment}} | {{Min1Year}} | Same}} | ||
{{SProfileMin|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> Until August 8, 2012 | Any | None| Same }} | {{SProfileMin|s. 172.1 [child luring]<br> Until August 8, 2012 | Any | None| Same }} | ||
{{SProfileEnd}} | {{SProfileEnd}} | ||
{{MinPenaltyHybrid|s. 172.1|'''{{Min1Year}}'''|'''{{Min90Days}}'''}}<ref> | {{MinPenaltyHybrid|s. 172.1|'''{{Min1Year}}'''|'''{{Min90Days}}'''}}<ref> | ||
Only applies if offences occurs after August 9th, 2012. Otherwise, no minimums</ref> | Only applies if offences occurs after August 9th, 2012. Otherwise, no minimums</ref>--> | ||
; Available Sentences | ; Available Sentences | ||
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{{SProfileEnd}} | {{SProfileEnd}} | ||
{{OnlyJailAvailable|s. 172.1}} | <!--{{OnlyJailAvailable|s. 172.1}}--> | ||
<!-- legislation changed in 2023 | <!-- legislation changed in 2023 | ||
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{{CanLIIRP|El-Jamel|2cgkc|2010 ONCA 575 (CanLII)|261 CCC (3d) 293}}{{perONCA|Juriansz JA}}{{atL|2cgkc|17}}</ref> | {{CanLIIRP|El-Jamel|2cgkc|2010 ONCA 575 (CanLII)|261 CCC (3d) 293}}{{perONCA|Juriansz JA}}{{atL|2cgkc|17}}</ref> | ||
It was suggested that at the least, exceptional circumstances are expected:<ref> | It was suggested that at the least, exceptional circumstances are expected:<ref> | ||
{{ibid1|El-Jamel}}{{atL|2cgkc|36}}{{perONCA|Watt JA}} in dissent</ref> | {{ibid1|El-Jamel}}{{atL|2cgkc|36}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}} in dissent</ref> | ||
#a negligible risk of recidivism | #a negligible risk of recidivism | ||
#acceptance of responsibility | #acceptance of responsibility | ||
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Child luring is a "preparatory crime" that "criminalizes conduct that precedes the commission of the sexual offences to which it refers."<ref> | Child luring is a "preparatory crime" that "criminalizes conduct that precedes the commission of the sexual offences to which it refers."<ref> | ||
{{CanLIIRP|Paradee|fw0lb|2013 ABCA 41 (CanLII)|542 AR 222}}{{perABCA| Paperny JA}}{{atL|fw0lb|11}}<br> | {{CanLIIRP|Paradee|fw0lb|2013 ABCA 41 (CanLII)|542 AR 222}}{{perABCA| Paperny JA}}{{atL|fw0lb|11}}<br> | ||
</ref> | |||
It exploits children's vulnerability. It "invades a child’s personal autonomy, sexual integrity, and gravely wounds their dignity."<ref> | |||
{{CanLIIR|Bertrand Marchand|k0x8n|2023 SCC 26 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Martin J}}<br> | |||
</ref> | |||
The internet allows offenders to "direct, sometimes anonymous, and often secret or unsupervised access to children, frequently in the privacy and safety of their own homes."<ref> | |||
{{ibid1|Bertrand Marchand}} | |||
</ref> | </ref> | ||
Often, the offenders will attempt or successfully commit additional offences such as "viewing the underage victim as she performs sexual acts at his urging"<ref> | Often, the offenders will attempt or successfully commit additional offences such as "viewing the underage victim as she performs sexual acts at his urging"<ref> | ||
{{ibid1|Paradee}}{{atL|fw0lb|11}}</ref>, sharing child pornography, or arranging meetings in real life for illicit purposes. | {{ibid1|Paradee}}{{atL|fw0lb|11}}</ref>, sharing child pornography, or arranging meetings in real life for illicit purposes. | ||
Child luring is serious because it:<ref> | |||
R v Collins, 2023 ABKB 134 (CanLII), at para 54, <https://canlii.ca/t/jw77p#par54>, retrieved on 2024-09-14 | |||
</ref> | |||
* is hard to detect, | |||
* penetrates normal parental protections; | |||
* is known to success easily | |||
* is widespread; | |||
* causes lifelong harm; | |||
* often has high moral culpability | |||
; Purpose | ; Purpose | ||
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===Ranges=== | ===Ranges=== | ||
{{seealsoRanges|Child Luring}} | {{seealsoRanges|Child Luring}} | ||
Luring will usually require a "substantial" period of imprisonment.<Ref> | |||
{{CanLIIR|Bertrand Marchand|k0x8n|2023 SCC 26 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Martin J}}{{atsL|k0x8n|47|, 106}} | |||
</ref> | |||
In cases where an adult makes "serious attempts" to convince a child to participate in in-person sexual activity, the sentence should rarely be below 2 years and may be beyond 4 years.<Ref> | |||
R v Collins, 2023 ABKB 134 (CanLII), at para 53, <https://canlii.ca/t/jw77p#par53>, retrieved on 2024-09-14 | |||
</ref> | |||
; Pre-Freisen | ; Pre-Freisen | ||
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{{CanLIIRP|Jarvis|1p374|2006 CanLII 27300 |}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}}{{atL|1p374|31}} (“the range of sentence for child luring generally lies between twelve months and two years and that circumstances such as possession of child pornography…will require a sentence at the upper end of the range”)<br> | {{CanLIIRP|Jarvis|1p374|2006 CanLII 27300 |}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}}{{atL|1p374|31}} (“the range of sentence for child luring generally lies between twelve months and two years and that circumstances such as possession of child pornography…will require a sentence at the upper end of the range”)<br> | ||
{{CanLIIRP|Folino|1lxgn|2005 CanLII 40543 (ON CA)|202 CCC (3d) 353}}{{perONCA|McMurtry CJ}}{{atL|1lxgn|25}}<br> | {{CanLIIRP|Folino|1lxgn|2005 CanLII 40543 (ON CA)|202 CCC (3d) 353}}{{perONCA|McMurtry CJ}}{{atL|1lxgn|25}}<br> | ||
{{CanLIIRP|Alicandro|22h4d|2009 ONCA 133 (CanLII)|246 CCC (3d) 1}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}}{{atL|22h4d|49}}<br> | {{CanLIIRP|Alicandro|22h4d|2009 ONCA 133 (CanLII)|246 CCC (3d) 1}}{{perONCA-H|Doherty JA}}{{atL|22h4d|49}}<br> | ||
{{CanLIIRP|Morrison|hz3jd|2019 SCC 15 (CanLII)|[2019] 2 SCR 3}}{{perSCC|Moldaver J}}{{AtL|hz3jd|177}}<br> | {{CanLIIRP|Morrison|hz3jd|2019 SCC 15 (CanLII)|[2019] 2 SCR 3}}{{perSCC|Moldaver J}}{{AtL|hz3jd|177}}<br> | ||
</ref> | </ref> |
Latest revision as of 09:11, 14 September 2024
This page was last substantively updated or reviewed November 2023. (Rev. # 96434) |
Child Luring | |
---|---|
s. 172.1 of the Crim. Code | |
Election / Plea | |
Crown Election | Hybrid summary proceedings must initiate within 12 months of the offence (786(2)) |
Jurisdiction | Prov. Court Sup. Court w/ Jury (*) |
Summary Dispositions | |
Avail. Disp. | Discharge (730) Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a)) |
Minimum | 6 months incarceration |
Maximum | 2 years less a day incarceration |
Indictable Dispositions | |
Avail. Disp. | same as summary |
Minimum | 1 year incarceration |
Maximum | 14 years incarceration |
Reference | |
Offence Elements Sentence Digests |
Overview
Offences relating to child luring are found in Part V of the Criminal Code relating to "Sexual Offences, Public Morals and Disorderly Conduct".
- Pleadings
Offence Section |
Offence Type |
Crown Election | Defence Election s. 536(2) |
Preliminary Inquiry |
---|---|---|---|---|
s. 172.1 [child luring] | Hybrid Offence(s) | (* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment) | (14 years max) |
Offences under s. 172.1 [child luring] are hybrid with a Crown election. If prosecuted by indictment, there is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2) to trial to trial in provincial court, superior court with a judge-alone (with or without a preliminary inquiry) or superior court with judge-and-jury (with or without a preliminary inquiry).
- Release
Offence(s) | Appearance Notice by Peace Officer s. 497 |
Summons by Judge or Justice s. 508(1), 512(1), or 788 |
Release by Peace Officer on Undertaking s. 498, 499, and 501 |
Release By a Judge or Justice on a Release Order s. 515 to 519 |
Direct to Attend for Fingerprints, etc. Identification of Criminals Act s. 2 ID Crim. Act |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
s. 172.1 [child luring] |
When charged under s. 172.1 [child luring], the accused can be given an appearance notice without arrest under s. 497 or a summons. If arrested, he can be released by the arresting officer under s. 498 or 499 on an undertaking with or without conditions. He can also be released by a justice under s. 515.
- Reverse Onus Bail
If police decide to bring the accused before a Justice pursuant to s. 503, there will be a presumption against bail (i.e. a reverse onus) if the offence, prosecuted by indictment, was committed:
- while at large under s. 515 [bail release], 679 or 680 [release pending appeal or review of appeal] (s. 515(6)(a)(i));
- "for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association" with a criminal organization (s. 515(6)(a)(ii));
- where the offence involved a weapon, being a firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, while the accused was subject to a prohibition order preventing possession of these items (s. 515(6)(a)(viii)); or
- where the accused is not "ordinarily a resident in Canada" (s. 515(6)(b)).
And, regardless of Crown election, if the offence alleged was one:
- where the offence was an allegation of violence against an "intimate partner" and the accused had been previously convicted of an offence of violence against an "intimate partner" (s. 515(6)(b.1));
- where the offence alleged is a breach under s. 145(2) to (5) while (s. 515(6)(c));
- where the offence committed (or conspired to commit) was an offence under s. 5 to 7 of the CDSA that is punishable by life imprisonment (s. 515(6)(d));
- Fingerprints and Photos
A peace officer who charges a person under s. 172.1 [child luring] of the Code can require that person to attend for the taking of fingerprints, photographs or other similar recordings that are used to identify them under the Identification of Criminals Act.
- Publication Bans
For all criminal or regulatory prosecutions, there is a discretionary general publication ban available on application of the Crown, victim or witness to prohibit the publishing of "any information that could identify the victim or witness" under s. 486.5(1) where it is "necessary" for the "proper administration of justice". Other available publication bans include prohibitions for publishing evidence or other information arising from a bail hearing (s. 517), preliminary inquiry (s. 539) or jury trial (s. 648). There is a mandatory publication ban in all youth prosecutions on information tending to identify young accused under s. 110 of the YCJA or young victims under s. 111 of the YCJA.
Section s. 172.1 [child luring] offences permit a judge to order a discretionary publication ban for sexual offences under s. 486.4 that protects "information that could identify the victim or a witness". Where the witness is under the age of 18 or if in relation to a victim, the order is mandatory under s. 486.4(2).
- Offence Designations
Offence(s) | Wiretap Eligible s. 183 |
Dangerous Offender Designated Offence s. 752 |
Serious Personal Injury Offence s. 752 |
AG Consent Required | Serious Criminality Offence s. 36 IRPA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
s. 172.1 [child luring] |
Offences under s. 172.1 [child luring] are designated offences eligible for wiretap under s. 183.
Offences under s. 172.1 [child luring] are "designated" offences under s. 752 for dangerous offender applications.
Offences under s. 172.1 [child luring] are designated "serious personal injury" offences under s. 752(a) only if it has a maximum penalty of 10 years incarceration or more and involves "use or attempted use of violence against another person" or "conduct endangering or likely to endanger the life or safety of another person or inflicting or likely to inflict severe psychological damage on another person".
See below in Ancillary Sentencing Orders for details on designations relating to sentencing orders.
Offence Wording
- Luring a child
172.1 (1) Every person commits an offence who, by a means of telecommunication, communicates with
- (a) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 18 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence with respect to that person under subsection 153(1) [sexual exploitation], section 155 [incest], 163.1 [child pornography], 170 [parent or guardian procuring sexual activity], 171 [householder permitting prohibited sexual activity] or 279.011 [trafficking in persons, under 18] or subsection 279.02(2) [material benefit from trafficking, under 18], 279.03(2) [withholding or destroying docs, under 18], 286.1(2) [comm. to obtain sexual services for consideration – person under 18], 286.2(2) [material benefit from sexual services provided — person under 18] or 286.3(2) [procuring — person under 18];
- (b) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 16 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence under section 151 [sexual interference] or 152 [invitation to sexual touching], subsection 160(3) [bestiality in presence of or by child] or 173(2) [exposure to person under 16] or section 271 [sexual assault], 272 [sexual assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm], 273 [aggravated sexual assault] or 280 [abduction of a person under 16] with respect to that person; or
- (c) a person who is, or who the accused believes is, under the age of 14 years, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an offence under section 281 [abduction of a person under 14] with respect to that person.
- Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) [child luring – offence]
- (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years
and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year*; or- (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day
and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months*.[omitted (3) and (4)]
2002, c. 13, s. 8; 2007, c. 20, s. 1; 2008, c. 6, s. 14; 2012, c. 1, s. 22; 2014, c. 25, s. 9; 2015, c. 23, s. 11.
[annotation(s) added]
Draft Form of Charges
Pre-ambles | ||
---|---|---|
"THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, between the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR> and <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>***, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR | ||
"THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, on or about the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR | ||
"AND FURTHER at the same time and place aforesaid, he [or she]..." | ||
Code Section | Subject of Offence | Draft Wording |
172.1(1)(a) | "..., did by means of telecommunication, communicate with a person who is [or is believed to be] under the age of 18 years, for the purpose of facilitating commission of a sexual offence, to wit: [particulars], with respect to that person contrary to section 172.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code." [1] | |
172.1(1)(b) | "..., did by means of telecommunication, communicate with a person who is [or is believed to be] under the age of 16 years, for the purpose of facilitating commission of a sexual offence, to wit: [particulars], with respect to that person contrary to section 172.1(1)(b) of the Criminal Code. [2] | |
172.1(1)(c) | "..., did by means of telecommunication, communicate with a person who is [or is believed to be] under the age of 14 years, for the purpose of facilitating commission of a sexual offence, to wit: [particulars], with respect to that person contrary to section 172.1(1)(c) of the Criminal Code. [3] |
Proof of the Offence
Proving child luring under 18 under s. 172.1(1)(a) should include:
|
Proving child luring under 16 under s. 172.1(1)(b) should include:
|
Proving child luring under 14 under s. 172.1(1)(c) should include:[1]
|
- ↑
R v Alicandro, 2009 ONCA 133 (CanLII), 246 CCC (3d) 1, per Doherty JA
R v Quinones, 2012 BCCA 94 (CanLII), per Hinkson JA, at para 5
R v Legare, 2009 SCC 56 (CanLII), [2009] 3 SCR 551, per Fish J, at para 9
Interpretation of the Offence
Luring generally consists of "a prolonged, deliberate and careful cultivation of a young person with a view to engendering trust and intimacy, all designed to promote sexual conduct between the two parties."[1] It also includes "prurient discourse that exploits a young person’s curiosity, immaturity or precocious sexuality."[2]
The purpose of s.172.1 is to “shut that door on predatory adults who, generally for a sexual purpose, troll the Internet for vulnerable children and adolescents. Shielded by the anonymity of an assumed online name and profile, they aspire to gain the trust of their targeted victims through computer “chats” — and then to tempt or entice them into sexual activity, over the Internet or, still worse, in person.”[3]
This is an “inchoate” offence that is separate and apart from the sexual offence that it precedes. It does not require the sexual offence to have occurred. This means the accused does not need to have actually gone to meet the victim in person.[4] Nor is it necessary for the accused to be “objectively capable” to commit the secondary offence.[5]
The offence will "crystallize" and becomes complete before any actions are taken on the part of the accused to execute the secondary offence.[6]
When present, acts of "grooming"—a process which allows the offender to forge a close relationship with a victim to gain trust, compliance and secrecy for the purpose of eventually engaging in sexualization and abuse"—must be considered.[7]
- "Telecommunications"
"Telecommunications" is defined in s. 35 of the Interpretation Act, which states "means the emission, transmission or reception of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds or intelligence of any nature by any wire, cable, radio, optical or other electromagnetic system, or by any similar technical system;"[8]
- Mens Rea
The mental element must be present at the time the communication is made.[9]
- ↑ R v Paradee, 2013 ABCA 41 (CanLII), 542 AR 222, per Paperny JA
- ↑
R v Legare, 2008 ABCA 138 (CanLII), 236 CCC (3d) 380, per Watson JA, at para 28 aff'd at 2009 SCC 56 (CanLII), per Fish J
- ↑
R v Legare, 2009 SCC 56 (CanLII), [2009] 3 SCR 551, per Fish J, at para 2
see also Legare (ABCA), supra, at para 54
- ↑ Legare, supra (SCC), at para 25
- ↑
Legare, supra (SCC), at paras 25 and 42
R v Chiang, 2012 BCCA 85 (CanLII), 286 CCC (3d) 564, per Hall JA, at para 18 ("The type of crime being investigated by the police in the present case has about it an “inchoate” quality. It is the same type of offence as Internet luring of children for a sexual purpose.")
- ↑ R v Collins, 2013 ONCA 392 (CanLII), per curiam
- ↑ R v Bertrand Marchand, 2023 SCC 26 (CanLII), per Martin J, at paras 51 to 54
- ↑ section 35 of the Interpretation Act
For further detail on the definition of "telecommunications" see Wiretaps#"Telecommunications" - ↑
R v Legare, 2008 ABCA 128 (CanLII), 236 CCC (3d) 380, per Watson JA, at para 41
R v GDG, 2013 MBQB 244 (CanLII), 298 Man R (2d) 119, per Mainella J, at para 95
Purpose of Facilitating an Offence
It is not criminal to engage in sexually explicit chats with an underage person unless the prohibited purpose is established beyond a reasonable doubt.[1]
The intent must be specific to the objective and must be determined subjectively.[2]
Facilitating can include actions that help “bring about or [make] easier or more probable the commission of such an offence, by grooming or reducing the inhibitions of a young person or by exploiting their curiosity, immaturity or precocious sexuality”.[3]
The contents of the messages can be used but are not determinative of a sexual purpose.[4] The issue must be determined on the evidence as a whole. [5]
A claim that the accused was merely joking can be rejected where the texts demonstrate an escalated nature and become more sexually specific.[6]
It is not necessary that the victim be physically accessible to the accused is any way to be luring.[7]
- Impossibility
The Crown need not prove that there is "a present intent to meet the child". The accused may "merely hope to bring the child around to acquiescence in some form" of an offence named in the charge.[8] A purpose "however far off or unlikely, would be sufficient."[9] Even where the alleged purpose is to commit sexual assault, it is still not necessary to prove a present intention to meet the alleged victim.[10]
- Types of evidence
Evidence of "sexually explicit comments may suffice to establish the criminal purpose of the accused."[11]
The contents of the communications are "not necessarily determinative."[12]
- ↑ R v Pengelley, 2010 ONSC 5488 (CanLII), 261 CCC (3d) 93, per Dawson J, at para 6
- ↑ R v Legare, 2009 SCC 56 (CanLII), [2009] 3 SCR 551, per Fish J, at para 32
- ↑ Legare, ibid. (SCC), at para 28
- ↑ Legare, ibid. (SCC), at para 31
- ↑ Legare, ibid. (SCC)
- ↑ R v Himes, 2014 ONCJ 31 (CanLII), per Bishop J, at para 80
- ↑
R v Legare, 2008 ABCA 128 (CanLII), 236 CCC (3d) 380, per Watson JA, at para 62 appealed to 2009 SCC 56 (CanLII), per Fish J
- ↑
Legare, supra (ABCA), at para 56
- ↑
Legare, supra (ABCA), at para 63
- ↑ R v Bowers, 2022 ONCA 852 (CanLII)
- ↑
Legare, supra (SCC), at para 29
- ↑
Legare, supra (SCC), at paras 29, 31
Reasonable Steps to Ascertain Age
Under s. 172.1, the accused can only claim to have believed the alleged victim was not of a prohibited age where he took reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the victim. This is to foreclose any defence based on claims of the accused without any objective evidential basis.[1]
172.1
[omitted (1), (2) and (3)]
- No defence
(4) It is not a defence to a charge under paragraph (1)(a) [child luring – under 18 years], (b) [child luring – under 16 years] or (c) [child luring – under 14 years] that the accused believed that the person referred to in that paragraph was at least eighteen years of age, sixteen years or fourteen years of age, as the case may be, unless the accused took reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the person.
2002, c. 13, s. 8; 2007, c. 20, s. 1; 2008, c. 6, s. 14; 2012, c. 1, s. 22.
[annotation(s) added]
The claim that the accused believed he was participating in "role-playing" must be consistent with what a reasonable person would believe and must still comply with s. 172.1(4).[2]
Factors to consider include:[3]
- whether the chat-room was likely to be frequented by children, including whether it was "adult-only"
- whether he asked for her age;
- user name suggestive of an age;
- presence of photos of the female;[4]
- biographical information found in the female's profile;
- existence of a moderator who would ban persons under 18.
- Constitutionality
Section 172.1(4) was found constitutional.[5]
- ↑ R v Levigne, 2010 SCC 25 (CanLII), [2010] 2 SCR 3, per Fish J, at paras 31, 35
- ↑
R v Thain, 2009 ONCA 223 (CanLII), 243 CCC (3d) 230, per Sharpe JA
Levigne, supra - ↑ as seen in Thain and Levigne
- ↑ e.g. R v Pengelley, 2010 ONSC 5488 (CanLII), 261 CCC (3d) 93, per Dawson J -- acquitted based on the evidence that the child’s account showed a picture of someone in their 20s.
- ↑ R v Morrison, 2019 SCC 15 (CanLII), [2019] 2 SCR 3, per Moldaver J
Presumption
172.1
[omitted (1) and (2)]
- Presumption re age
(3) Evidence that the person referred to in paragraph (1)(a) [child luring – under 18 years], (b) [child luring – under 16 years] or (c) [child luring – under 14 years] was represented to the accused as being under the age of eighteen years, sixteen years or fourteen years, as the case may be, is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that the accused believed that the person was under that age.
[omitted (4)]
2002, c. 13, s. 8; 2007, c. 20, s. 1; 2008, c. 6, s. 14; 2012, c. 1, s. 22.
[annotation(s) added]
- Constitutionality
The presumption under s. 172.1(3) was found to be unconstitutional for violating s. 11(d) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.[1]
- ↑ R v Morrison, 2014 ONCJ 673 (CanLII), per Gage J appealed to 2019 SCC 15 (CanLII), infra
Typical Defences
- If under s.172.1(1)(a) and the secondary offence is under s. 163.1, the defence of “private use” is available.
- Mistaken belief of age
- Entrapment
Participation of Third Parties
- Testimonial Aids
Certain persons who testify are entitled to make application for the use of testimonial aids: Exclusion of Public (s. 486), Use of a Testimonial Screen (s. 486), Access to Support Person While Testifying (s. 486.1), Close Proximity Video-link Testimony (s. 486.2), Self-Represented Cross-Examination Prohibition Order (s. 486.3), and Witness Security Order (s. 486.7).
A witness, victim or complainant may also request publication bans (s. 486.4, 486.5) and/or a Witness Identity Non-disclosure Order (s. 486.31). See also, Publication Bans, above.
- On Finding of Guilt
Offence(s) | Victim Notice of Agreement s. 606(4.1) [SPIO] |
Victim Queried for Interest in Agreement s. 606(4.2) [5+ years] |
Victim Notice for Restitution s. 737.1 |
Victim Notice of Impact Statement s. 722(2) |
---|---|---|---|---|
s. 172.1(1) | (* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment) | (* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment) |
For serious personal injury offences or murder, s. 606(4.1) requires that after accepting a guilty plea, the judge must inquire whether "any of the victims had advised the prosecutor of their desire to be informed if such an agreement were entered into, and, if so, whether reasonable steps were taken to inform that victim of the agreement". Failing to take reasonable steps at guilty plea requires the prosecutor to "as soon as feasible, take reasonable steps to inform the victim of the agreement and the acceptance of the plea" (s. 606(4.3)).
Under s. 738, a judge must inquire from the Crown before sentencing whether "reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victims with an opportunity to indicate whether they are seeking restitution for their losses and damages".
Under s. 722(2), the judge must inquire "[a]s soon as feasible" before sentencing with the Crown "if reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victim with an opportunity to prepare" a victim impact statement. This will include any person "who has suffered, or is alleged to have suffered, physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss" as a result of the offence. Individuals representing a community impacted by the crime may file a statement under s. 722.2.
Sentencing Principles and Ranges
- For general principles on sentence for sexual offences, see Child Sexual Offences
- Maximum Penalties
Offence(s) | Crown Election |
Maximum Penalty |
---|---|---|
s. 172.1 [child luring] |
summary election | 2 years less a day incarceration |
s. 172.1 [child luring] |
indictable election | 14 years incarceration |
Offences under s. 172.1 are hybrid. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum penalty is 10 years incarceration. If prosecuted by summary conviction, the maximum penalty is 18 months incarceration.
- Available Sentences
Offence(s) | Crown Election |
Discharge s. 730 |
Suspended Sentence s. 731(1)(a) |
Stand-alone Fine s. 731(1)(b) |
Custody s. 718.3, 787 |
Custody and Probation s. 731(1)(b) |
Custody and Fine s. 734 |
Conditional Sentence (CSO) s. 742.1 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
s. 172.1 From August 9, 2012 |
any |
- Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences have been said to be available in the "rarest of cases."[1] Other courts have commented that this "rareness" standard is too strict.[2] It was suggested that at the least, exceptional circumstances are expected:[3]
- a negligible risk of recidivism
- acceptance of responsibility
- Participation and progress in an appropriate treatment program
- a devastating impact on the offender and his family
- assaults by other inmates while in custody awaiting release
- medical evidence suggesting incarceration would put him at “risk of fatal dissociation culminating in possible suicide..." and being in a "very fragile mental and physical state”.
- Consecutive Sentences
Under s. 718.3(7), where the judge sentences an accused at the same time for "more than one sexual offence committed against a child", a sentence must be consecutive where:
- one of the sexual offences against that child is an offence relating to child pornography under s. 163.1. (see s. 718.3(7)(a)); or
- each of the sexual offences against a child, other than a child pornography offence, related to a different child. (see s. 718.3(7)(a))
[note: this only applies for offences occurring after enactment of Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act on July 16, 2015]
In most cases, luring will be consecutive to related offences to reflect "invasions of different legally protected interests."[4]
- ↑ R v Folino, 2005 CanLII 40543 (ON CA), 202 CCC (3d) 353, per McMurtry CJ, at para 25
- ↑ R v El-Jamel, 2010 ONCA 575 (CanLII), 261 CCC (3d) 293, per Juriansz JA, at para 17
- ↑ El-Jamel, ibid., at para 36, per Watt JA in dissent
- ↑
R v Bertrand Marchand, 2023 SCC 26 (CanLII), per Martin J, at paras 95 to 98
Principles
Child luring is a "preparatory crime" that "criminalizes conduct that precedes the commission of the sexual offences to which it refers."[1] It exploits children's vulnerability. It "invades a child’s personal autonomy, sexual integrity, and gravely wounds their dignity."[2]
The internet allows offenders to "direct, sometimes anonymous, and often secret or unsupervised access to children, frequently in the privacy and safety of their own homes."[3]
Often, the offenders will attempt or successfully commit additional offences such as "viewing the underage victim as she performs sexual acts at his urging"[4], sharing child pornography, or arranging meetings in real life for illicit purposes.
Child luring is serious because it:[5]
- is hard to detect,
- penetrates normal parental protections;
- is known to success easily
- is widespread;
- causes lifelong harm;
- often has high moral culpability
- Purpose
The purpose of the enactment of s. 172.1 was to target "predatory adults who, generally for a sexual purpose, troll the Internet for vulnerable children and adolescents. Shielded by the anonymity of an assumed online name and profile, they aspire to gain the trust of their targeted victims through computer "chats" -- and then to tempt or entice them into sexual activity, over the Internet or, still worse, in person.”[6]
The enactment further intends "to protect children, who are by definition vulnerable members of society and are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by potential predators through the use of internet communications." [7]
The offence involves "pre-meditated conduct specifically designed to engage an underage person in a relationship with the offender, with the goal of reducing the inhibitions of the young person so that he or she will be prepared to engage in further conduct that is not only criminal but extremely harmful."[8]
The offender's anonymity allows for "predatory behaviours through seemingly innocuous but persistent communication, and to count on the victims letting their guard down because the communication occurs in the privacy and supposed safety of their own homes."[9]
- Principles
The focus should be on denunciation and deterrence resulting in some institutional time.[10]
- Young Victim
Section 718.01 requires sentencing judges to "give primary consideration to the objectives of denunciation and deterrence" when conduct "involved the abuse of a person under the age of eighteen years". Where the evidence shows that the offender, "in committing the offence, abused a person under the age of eighteen years,... shall be deemed to be an aggravating circumstances" under s. 718.2(a)(ii.1). Where the offender is in a "position of trust or authority" in relation to the victim, it will also be aggravating under s. 718.2(a)(iii).
- Position of Trust
An offender who becomes a "confidante" to the victim can be considered in a position of trust.[11]
- Constitutionality
The mandatory minimum of 1 year required under s. 172.1 is unconstitutional as cruel and unusual punishment.[12]
- ↑
R v Paradee, 2013 ABCA 41 (CanLII), 542 AR 222, per Paperny JA, at para 11
- ↑
R v Bertrand Marchand, 2023 SCC 26 (CanLII), per Martin J
- ↑ Bertrand Marchand, ibid.
- ↑ Paradee, ibid., at para 11
- ↑ R v Collins, 2023 ABKB 134 (CanLII), at para 54, <https://canlii.ca/t/jw77p#par54>, retrieved on 2024-09-14
- ↑ R v Legare, 2009 SCC 56 (CanLII), [2009] 3 SCR 551, per Fish J
- ↑ Paradee, supra, at para 11
- ↑ Paradee, supra, at para 12
- ↑ Paradee, supra, at para 12
- ↑
R v Folino, 2005 CanLII 40543 (ON CA), 202 CCC (3d) 353, per McMurtry CJ, at para 25
R v Jepson, [2004] OJ No 5521 (Sup. Ct.)(*no CanLII links) , at para 19
- ↑ R v Fones, 2012 MBCA 110 (CanLII), 104 WCB (2d) 1071, per Hamilton JA
- ↑
R v Bertrand Marchand, 2023 SCC 26 (CanLII), per Martin J
R v Hood, 2018 NSCA 18 (CanLII), 45 CR (7th) 269, per MacDonald CJ and Beveridge JA (s. 172.1(1))
cf. R v EJB, 2018 ABCA 239 (CanLII), 72 Alta LR (6th) 29, per McDonald JA
see also R v Faroughi, 2020 ONSC 780 (CanLII), per Leibovich J - re 172.1(2)(a) R v BS, 2018 BCSC 2044 (CanLII), per Sharma J re s. 151 and 172.1
R v Stapley, 2014 ONCJ 184 (CanLII), 307 CRR (2d) 147, per Griffin J
Factors
Aggravating
- Age or simulated age of complainant
- the offender sending explicit images to victim
- amount of grooming done by offender (amount of sex talk, encouragement to perform sex acts)
- communications over a long duration
- offender attempted to arrange a meeting
- meeting resulted in sexual assault or attempt
- offence included the creation of child pornography
Mitigating
- youthful offender
- offender close in age to complainant
- no attempts or prospects of meeting in person
It is not a mitigating factor nor does it lessen the seriousness of the offence that there was no "real" victim where the offender was found luring an undercover officer.[1]
- ↑
R v Doxtator, 2013 ONCJ 139 (CanLII), per Dean J
R v Graff, 2015 ABQB 415 (CanLII), 337 CRR (2d) 77, per Nielsen J at 107
Ranges
- see also: Child Luring (Sentencing Cases)
Luring will usually require a "substantial" period of imprisonment.[1]
In cases where an adult makes "serious attempts" to convince a child to participate in in-person sexual activity, the sentence should rarely be below 2 years and may be beyond 4 years.[2]
- Pre-Freisen
The starting point for luring with no record is 12 months[3] and typically runs as high as 24 months.[4] Where there is a record the range is between 15 to 24 months. Two years or more is usually where the offence includes another related sexual offence.[5]
Broadly speaking, the range is 1 to 3 years depending on the circumstances[6]
Where the luring also involves child pornography, the range may be in the upper part of the 12 to 24 month range.[7]
- ↑ R v Bertrand Marchand, 2023 SCC 26 (CanLII), per Martin J, at paras 47, 106
- ↑ R v Collins, 2023 ABKB 134 (CanLII), at para 53, <https://canlii.ca/t/jw77p#par53>, retrieved on 2024-09-14
- ↑ R v Daniels, 2008 ABPC 252 (CanLII), 452 AR 178, per Semenuk J ("the usual sentence for a single charge of luring a child by an accused with no prior criminal record is around 12 months.")
- ↑
R v Jarvis, 2006 CanLII 27300 , per Rosenberg JA, at para 31 (“the range of sentence for child luring generally lies between twelve months and two years and that circumstances such as possession of child pornography…will require a sentence at the upper end of the range”)
R v Folino, 2005 CanLII 40543 (ON CA), 202 CCC (3d) 353, per McMurtry CJ, at para 25
R v Alicandro, 2009 ONCA 133 (CanLII), 246 CCC (3d) 1, per Doherty JA, at para 49
R v Morrison, 2019 SCC 15 (CanLII), [2019] 2 SCR 3, per Moldaver J, at para 177
- ↑ Daniels, supra
- ↑ R v Paradee, 2013 ABCA 41 (CanLII), per Paperny J, at para 25
- ↑ Jarvis, supra, at para 31
Ancillary Sentencing Orders
- Offence-specific Orders
Order | Conviction | Description |
---|---|---|
DNA Orders | s. 172.1 [child luring] |
|
SOIRA Orders | s. 172.1 [child luring] |
Note that by function of s. 490.011(2) of the Code, SOIRA orders are not available when sentencing under the Youth Criminal Justice Act |
Section 161 Orders | s. 172.1 [child luring] |
|
Forfeiture Order—Computer-related (s.164.2) | s. 172.1 [child luring] |
|
Delayed Parole Order | s. 172.1 [child luring] |
|
- General Sentencing Orders
Order | Conviction | Description |
---|---|---|
Non-communication order while offender in custody (s. 743.21) | any | The judge has the discretion to order that the offender be prohibited "from communicating...with any victim, witness or other person" while in custody except where the judge "considers [it] necessary" to communicate with them. |
Restitution Orders (s. 738) | any | A discretionary Order is available for things such as the replacement value of the property; the pecuniary damages incurred from harm, expenses fleeing a domestic partner; or certain expenses arising from the commission of an offence under s.402.2 or 403. |
Victim Fine Surcharge (s. 737) | any | A discretionary surcharge under s. 737 of 30% of any fine order imposed, $100 per summary conviction or $200 per indictable conviction. If the offence occurs on or after October 23, 2013, the order has smaller minimum amounts (15%, $50, or $100). |
- General Forfeiture Orders
Forfeiture | Conviction | Description |
---|---|---|
Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime (s. 462.37(1) or (2.01)) | any | Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence under the Code or the CDSA in which property is "proceeds of crime" and offence was "committed in relation to that property", the property shall be forfeited to His Majesty the King on application of the Crown. NB: does not apply to summary offences. |
Fine in Lieu of Forfeiture (s. 462.37(3)) | any | Where a Court is satisfied an order for the forfeiture of proceeds of crime under s. 462.37(1) or (2.01) can be made, but that property cannot be "made subject to an order", then the Court "may" order a fine in "an amount equal to the value of the property". Failure to pay the fine will result in a default judgement imposing a period of incarceration. |
Forfeiture of Weapons or Firearms (s. 491) | any | Where there is finding of guilt for an offence where a "weapon, an imitation firearm, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance was used in the commission of [the] offence and that thing has been seized and detained", or "that a person has committed an offence that involves, or the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance has been seized and detained, that the item be an enumerated weapon or related item be connected to the offence", then there will be a mandatory forfeiture order. However, under s. 491(2), if the lawful owner "was not a party to the offence" and the judge has "no reasonable grounds to believe that the thing would or might be used in the commission of an offence", then it should be returned to the lawful owner. |
Forfeiture of Offence-related Property (s. 490.1) | any | Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence, "any property is offence-related property" where (a) by means or in respect of which an indictable offence under this Act or the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act is committed, (b) that is used in any manner in connection with the commission of such an offence, or (c) that is intended to be used for committing such an offence". Such property is to be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province. NB: does not apply to summary offences. |
Record Suspensions and Pardons
Convictions under s. 172.1 [child luring] are ineligible for record suspensions pursuant to s. 4 of the Criminal Records Act. An exception can be made under s. 4(3) for those offences where there was no relationship of “trust”, “authority” or “dependency”; no violence, threats or coercion; and age difference between victim and offender is less than 5 years.
History
See Also
- References
|
- 2023
- Level Zero
- Criminal Law
- Sentencing
- Offences
- Wiretap Eligible Offences
- Serious Personal Injury Offences
- 2002, c. 13
- 2007, c. 20
- 2008, c. 6
- 2012, c. 1
- 2014, c. 25
- 2015, c. 23
- Notice of Settlement to Victim
- Offences Requiring Notice to Victim
- Offences with Maximum Penalty of 2 Years Less a Day
- Offences with Maximum Penalty of 14 Years
- Offences with Maximum Penalty of 10 Years
- Offences with Maximum Penalty of 18 Months
- Hybrid Offences
- Primary Designated Offences for DNA Orders
- SOIRA Designated Offences
- Section 161 Prohibition Offences
- Delayed Parole
- Sexual Offences