BlackburnNews.com file photo of the Ontario Court of Justice. (Photo by Jason Viau)BlackburnNews.com file photo of the Ontario Court of Justice. (Photo by Jason Viau)
Chatham

Victims Heard At Child Porn Hearing

A 30-year-old Windsor man who plead guilty to 19 child porn-related offences sat composed in court while victim impact statements were read.

A sentencing hearing for James Piche, who was arrested last September, is now complete.

One of his victims, who cannot be identified under a publication ban, wants to see him put away for life. He says he's forgotten how to be happy ever since being taken advantage of when he was just 11 years old.

"I'm really sorry. It's not your fault. I have a problem," Piche said in court Wednesday.

His defence lawyer is seeking seven years in jail, minus time served. She says it should be noted Piche has taken responsibility and isn't putting his victims through a trial. Piche also told the court he is getting help in jail and is doing "everything I can do to get better."

The Crown wants to see a jail sentence of ten years. In addition, a lifetime ban on weapons and a lifetime of reporting under the sex registry. The Crown also wants Piche to never set foot in areas with parks, schools, day cares where children under 16 are around and avoid employment and using a computer to communicate with minors.

Many of the victim's family members said in a letter that Piche betrayed their trust and forever changed lives. One victim says they were once outgoing and proud, but now feels like they're not good enough.

Piche will remain in custody until he is sentenced on September 22.

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