Donnie Snook sentencing held over until fall
Posted Aug 30, 2013 11:20:08 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SAINT JOHN, N.B. – An eerie silence fell over the courtroom in Saint John yesterday as child sex offender Donnie Snook delivered a speech of remorse during his sentencing hearing.
The Crown addressed the former youth minister and city councillor’s psychiatric assessment, which revealed he is considered moderately likely to re-offend.
Defence lawyer Dennis Boyle described how Snook’s own experience of sexual abuse, as a child, led to a lifetime of fighting temptations and losing the battle.
“The psychologist’s report spoke to that. She spoke of percentages and how people who have been victims become victimizers. It’s not manipulating the facts it’s just a matter of putting the facts out there.”
Boyle adds he was impressed by the way his client handled himself in front of the judge.
“That was entirely from his own mouth, his own pen. Kind of jealous actually as he was the best spokesperson in the courtroom. I think that came from his heart and that he has a sincere desire to amend his ways.”
Boyle is seeking a 12 year prison sentence while Crown representative Kelly Lamrock says she is confident in her suggestion of 21 years with no chance of parole until ten years or half of the sentence has been served.
“I did the best that I could to come up with a submission that accurately reflected the gravity of the charges and their affect on the victims.”
Snook will be sentenced October 10th.
