Here is the summary of these articles:
- Kevin Steppan fantasized about killing women
- Judge rejected Crown's application to have him deemed a dangerous offender, instead labelling him as a long term offender.
- He had already spent 4 and a half years in pre-trial remand and was now sentenced to an additional 9 months in prison.
- As a long term offender, he will be placed under supervised probation with strict conditions for 10 years after his release from prison.
- If he had been designated a dangerous offender, he would have had an indeterminate prison sentence, meaning that he would only be released when it was determined that he no longer presented a risk to the public.
- In 2005, he targeted two women, who were prostitutes, and physically and sexually assaulted them and also choked them with a rope.
- He later admitted to police that he had considered killing both women.
- He also plead guilty to making 50+ sexually obscene phone calls to his female defence lawyer.
- "Judge said he fit the criteria for a dangerous offender but believes he deserves another shot at turning his troubled life around."
- The Judge also said, "Asentence in a federal institution is not needed at this point for theprotection of the public in this case. Nor is such a sentence requiredat this time to properly reflect the other relevant principles ofsentencing. In my view, imposing such a sentence at this time wouldresult in a total sentence that is unfit and unjust."
- Steppan is being supported via a treatment plan to help him deal with his tragic upbrining.
- It was said that he was abused and neglected during his childhood and his family life was dysfunctional.
- A psychologist also said that this man has a personality disorder and a history of behavioural problems including chronic lying.
- He also plead guilty to one count of sexual assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and making harassing phone calls.
- Judge said additional jail time was necessary in order to prepare a community supervision plan before he is released, as a long term offender.
SOURCES (from which this summary was primarily taken from): Winnipeg Free Press and Winnipeg Sun.
AUTHORS: Mike McIntyre and Dean Pritchard
Good on the Judge in this case for not designating this man a dangerous offender! I would agree that he is still young and could benefit from treatment and rehabilitation to deal with his personality and behavioural disorders. This man's criminal behaviour could stem from his poor upbringing that included neglect and abuse and his untreated psychological disorders. I agree that a long term supervision order should be sufficient and this man should be receiving treatment.
No comments:
Post a Comment