Amanda Todd case: Defence seeks six-year sentence for Dutch man convicted of extorting, harassing B.C. teen
Warning: Disturbing content
Defence counsel for a Dutch man convicted of extorting and harassing Port Coquitlam teen Amanda Todd is asking for a six-year prison term, which is half the period of incarceration being sought by Crown.
In August, Aydin Coban was found guilty by a jury on multiple charges, including child luring and possession of child pornography. Todd died by suicide in 2012. Coban was not charged in relation to her death.
The Crown is seeking a 12-year prison sentence, which they want to see him serve consecutively to a sentence from the Netherlands which he is currently serving for similar offences. On Wednesday, the court heard the Dutch sentence is set to end in 2024.
Defence lawyer Elliot Holzman told the court they were submitting letters written by Coban’s sister, including one written on behalf of his mother, as well as a letter from the brother of a childhood friend who testified at the trial. The defence also submitted a psychological assessment of Coban.
“Defence does not dispute that the offending caused actual harm to Miss Todd,” Holzman said. “While these offences are very serious, at some point after a decade or more in prison, Mr. Coban will be released to rejoin Dutch society. When he is released, he will have the support of his family and friends. This continuing support, as expressed in the letters, bodes well for rehabilitation and reintegration, and in our submission, may go to reduce future risk.”
Outside court, Todd’s mother Carol said she hopes to see Coban spend more time behind bars.
“These are our kids we’re talking about out there. And you’re trying to get a lesser sentence for someone who preys on children, extorts them, lures them…to me it’s astounding,” she said. “We should be having stiffer penalties for people who victimize. It’s just wrong.”
Prosecutor Louise Kenworthy said Coban first targeted Todd when she was 12 years old, and waged a “two-year campaign” against her. She called Coban’s conduct a “dominant cause” of Todd’s suicide, a characterization which the defence is disputing.
“He was well aware of the profound psychological and emotional harm his actions were causing to her. Ruining Amanda’s life was one of his professed objectives,” Kenworthy said.
“Amanda experienced anxiety and depression, turned to alcohol and substance use, lost friendships, and found herself unable to create many new ones while she was alive.”
During the trial, the court heard how Todd was tormented for years by various online accounts, asking her to perform sexual acts on webcam, and threatening to share explicit images of her if she didn’t comply.
FAMILY SHARES IMPACT STATEMENTS
Todd was 15 years old at the time of her death in October 2012. Before she died, she created a video where she silently held up flashcards which described experiences of blackmail and bullying. The video was played in the court on Tuesday, with images of the teen filling the screens around the room.
Kenworthy said the Crown is also asking for an order prohibiting Coban from accessing online social media sites, chatrooms, or creating profiles on such sites, as well as using the Internet to communicate with anyone under the age of 18 (unless they are a family member) for a period of 15 years.
On Tuesday, Todd’s parents each delivered a victim impact statement. Her mother Carol also read a statement on behalf of Todd’s older brother, who said he would miss being an uncle to her children and growing old together.
Todd’s mother read her statement with a framed photo of her daughter at her side, and said she wished she could hold her one more time.
“Amanda was once a vibrant child, and a curious young person,” Todd’s mother said, and added her daughter wanted to make a difference. “It is her voice we must continue to hear.”
Todd’s father Norm said he was consumed with grief after his daughter’s death.
“My daughter deserved to have a happy, carefree childhood,” he said. “Her tormentor filled her waking moments with fear, humiliation, anxiety, despair, and a desperation that should never be part of a young girl’s life.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.