Thunder Bay – LEGAL – A 35-year-old man received his sentence in an Ontario court on January 29, 2026, after being found guilty of possessing child pornography.
Colin Andrew Palmquist stood before Justice Emily Beaton for the sentencing. Family members attended the hearing to show their support for him.
The judge approved a joint submission regarding the sentence after reviewing all relevant materials and considering the sentencing principles.
In Canadian law, courts typically give considerable importance to joint submissions and will only deviate from them in rare cases where doing so would not serve the public interest.
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Sentence Includes Jail Time, Probation, Registry Order, and Restrictions
The court ordered: The offender must adhere to conditions that involve restrictions related to children and limitations on internet access, including rules about online identity and constraints on specific online services.Possible Penalties That Could Have Been Imposed
Criminal Code Penalties for Possession
According to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code, penalties depend on how the Crown decides to proceed: If prosecuted by indictment, this offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 1 year. If handled summarily, it has a maximum penalty of two years less one day along with a mandatory minimum of 6 months. Sentences may also include probation and other court orders aimed at ensuring public safety and supervision.Duration of Sex Offender Registry Requirement
In Canada, registration orders can last for either 10 years, 20 years, or life depending on the nature of the offence and its circumstances. For offences prosecuted summarily (or with lower maximum penalties), the order is generally set at 10 years; when higher maximum penalties apply, longer durations are typical.Note About Court Processes
As is standard in criminal cases, sentencing reflects how the court views both the offence itself and the background of the offender. This is guided by legal principles such as denunciation, deterrence, rehabilitation, and protecting public safety. TAGS: Ontario Court of Justice , sentencing , possession of child pornography , Criminal Code , joint submission , Justice Emily Beaton , National Sex Offender Registry , SOIRA , probation , weapons prohibition , DNA order , court process , judicial decisionSource link
