Donald Bakker

Donald Michel Bakker is a Canadian from Penticton who made headlines when he was the first person to be tried in Canada for crimes he had commited in another country. Bakker was charged under the sex tourism law which is used to protect children by punishing those who sexually abuse children, including those who use child prostitutes, while outside Canada.

Related Topics:
Penticton - Sex tourism

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In 2004 he pleaded not guilty, claiming that Canada has no right to police people while they are outside its juridiction. Much of the evidence against him was videotapes that Bakker himself made. Some of these videos show Bakker torturing Vancouver area prostitutes. Other videos show him having sex with girls in Cambodia, the oldest of whom was 12.

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On June 1, 2005 he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of sexual assault to avoid a trial. The Solicitor and Crown prosecutor jointly asked for a 10-year prison sentence. Bakker had already served 18 months in jail, which would count as double time, meaning he will have seven more years in prison. He is eligible for parole within 1 and a half years.

Related Topics:
Solicitor - Crown prosecutor

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