Judge Accepts Joint Submission in Child Porn Case
THUNDER BAY – Ronald Howard Wrigley, born Dec. 18, 1951, was in Thunder Bay court on Jan. 6, 2026, where he admitted to having child pornography.
Justice Jennifer Hoshizaki accepted a joint proposal from both the Crown and defense and sentenced Wrigley to one year behind bars, followed by two years of probation.
Investigation Began in 2024
The Thunder Bay Police Service started looking into the matter in November 2024 after receiving tips that a resident from the Westfort area was uploading child pornography, police reported.
A search warrant was carried out at a home on Frederica Street East on Jan. 15, 2025. Wrigley was arrested during this operation, and officers seized several electronic devices including phones, hard drives, and a laptop. The police later found 514 images of child pornography stored on these devices.
Court Heard Defence Submissions
Defense attorney Gilbert Labine informed the court that his client had gone through a divorce in 2019 and described Wrigley as having a “collection” interest in other items. Justice Hoshizaki noted she didn’t see how this related to the current charges against him.
When given the chance to speak before the court, Wrigley expressed his apologies.
10-Year Section 161 Order Imposed
As part of his sentence, the court issued a ten-year order under Section 161 of the Criminal Code. This allows judges to restrict an offender’s access to locations or situations where children under age sixteen may be present.
A Section 161 order can include prohibitions like:
Visiting specific public places where children under sixteen are present or could reasonably be expected (including parks, swimming areas open to the public, daycare centers, school grounds, playgrounds, and community centers).
Being within a certain distance (the Code mentions two kilometers or another distance set by the court) of locations specified in the order including places connected to victims.
Working or volunteering in positions that would put him in trust or authority over children under sixteen.
Having any contact or communication with anyone under sixteen unless supervised by someone approved by the court.Using the internet or other digital networks unless allowed under conditions set by the court.Section 161 orders can last for life or for shorter periods , and if an offender is imprisoned , restrictions can begin upon release. The law also allows changes to be made if circumstances shift.Violating a Section 161 order is treated as a separate criminal offense , which could result in up to four years imprisonment if pursued through indictment.
Additional OrdersThe court also imposed an order prohibiting weapons , and Wrigley will have to register as a sex offender for twenty years , as mandated by Canada ’s sex offender registration system.In Summary: Thunder Bay man gets one year jail time for child porn; ten-year s.161 ban and twenty-year registry.
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