SQLFusion - 30 More days in jail for ex-cop

30 more days in jail for ex-cop

Ottawa Sun

04 September 2008

By Canadian Press

TORONTO -- A former police officer who has repeatedly refused to participate in a public inquiry into a sexual abuse probe that he helped spark was sentenced to another 30 days in jail yesterday for criminal contempt of court.

Perry Dunlop has already spent six months in jail for civil contempt of court because of his unwillingness to give evidence at an inquiry probing the institutional response to allegations a sexual abuse ring was operating in the Cornwall area.

The 46-year-old was scheduled to be released today on the civil conviction, but had yet to be sentenced on a criminal contempt conviction stemming from his refusal of a judge's order to appear at the inquiry.

Crown attorney David Humphrey told the court it could not ignore Dunlop's disregard of a judge's order.

"It would be sending the wrong message to impose no jail time," said Humphrey.

Divisional Court Justices Lee Ferrier and Katherine Swinton agreed, but imposed a sentence shorter than the three- to six-month term the Crown had requested.

MAXIMUM PUBLICITY

Dunlop's decision to "orchestrate" his arrest at his home in Duncan, B.C., on Feb. 17 to ensure maximum publicity, played a role in the his conviction for criminal contempt, as well as his 30-day sentence, Swinton told the court.

The fact that Dunlop has been segregated from other inmates because he is a former police officer and enjoys less freedom as a result played a part in the length of the term, Swinton added.

Dunlop was also credited for time spent in custody prior to sentencing on his civil contempt of court charge.

He told the court he meant no disrespect by ignoring the judge's order and only had issue with the Cornwall Public Inquiry

Jailed former cop to learn fate today Perry Dunlop to hear sentence today for refusing to testify at Cornwall abuse inquiry

Ottawa Sun

03 September 2008

TORONTO — A judge is expected to rule today on how much longer former cop Perry Dunlop will remain behind bars for refusing to give evidence at an inquiry in Cornwall.

Dunlop was convicted of civil and criminal contempt of court charges for refusing to give testimony at a probe into the institutional response to allegations of a sexual abuse ring in Cornwall.

The Crown is seeking a further three to six months in prison, while Dunlop is seeking immediate release.

The former Cornwall officer began investigating the alleged ring on his own time in 1993.

Despite Dunlop’s claims, police said they found no evidence of an organized ring.

A group of cheering supporters led by his wife Helen greeted Dunlop upon his arrival at court.

She then testified at the hearing, calling for his release.

Dunlop is representing himself in court.