Men fined in prostitution case

Two Sydney men have pleaded guilty and were fined Tuesday in connection with a prostitution sting operation last year in Sydney.

The guilty pleas come a day after a provincial court judge rejected a defence argument that the investigation by Cape Breton Regional Police amounted to an abuse of process.

Judge Brian Williston ruled that the actions of police, in using undercover officers, were a legitimate response to protect some of society’s most marginalized and vulnerable members.

The 10-day police operation dubbed John Be Gone focused on areas in downtown Sydney that were popular areas for hook-ups between prostitutes and men willing to pay for sexual services.

The operation nabbed 27 men who were charged with communicating for the purpose of obtaining sex.

While six accused pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and were fined a total of $693.95, others delayed entering a plea until a ruling was entered on the abuse of process claim. In addition to the fines, the men were also ordered to submit a DNA sample to the national registry.

Challenges to the charges are not over as another hearing is scheduled for Nov. 15. The central argument to be put forward by the defence is entrapment.

Fined Tuesday were Gordon Ernest MacLean, 66, and John Howard MacLean, 66, both of Sydney. Both were fined a total of $500 after the judge waived costs and surcharges. They also must submit a DNA sample.

Another accused also appeared Tuesday and the case was adjourned until Aug. 26. Yet another of the accused is to appear today for trial on the charge.

The men were charged after communicating with an undercover police officer posing as prostitute. The discussion between the men and the officer dealt with the cost of a particular sex act.

During a press conference in September, police said their investigation revealed more than 100 men were cruising the downtown core for sexual services, and that as many as 35 females were plying the trade.