CANADA
CBC News
A lawyer for former priest Eric Dejaeger says the Crown’s suggestion of a 25-year sentence for his sex crimes is “excessive” and “heavy-handed.”
Dejaeger, 67, was convicted last year on 32 counts of child sexual abuse dating back to his time as a priest in Igloolik, Nunavut, between 1978 and 1982.
In an Iqaluit courtroom Wednesday, Dejaeger’s lawyer Malcolm Kempt argued for a sentence of 12 years, with a two for one credit for time spent in jail awaiting trial. That would leave Dejaeger with four years left to serve.
Kempt said comparing Dejaeger’s crimes to the horrific and depraved acts of worst-case sex offenders was unfair to his client. He argued far worse sex offenders have received lighter sentences than what the Crown is asking for.
He said Dejaeger has serious health issues and dying in custody is a “very real fear” for the 67-year-old.
Crown prosecutor Doug Curliss had asked for a sentence of 25 years for Dejaeger’s crimes, minus the time the former Oblate priest has already served.
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