Crown argues for 12-year sentence in child porn case

The Crown is seeking a 12-year sentence for a central Alberta man who pleaded guilty to child pornography, sexual assault and other sex charges.

Stuart Peter Hunt of Red Deer was arrested last January at his home.

According to the statement of facts in the case, police seized electronic devices that contained thousands of child porn images and videos of boys as young as toddlers.

During his interview with police Hunt confessed that he had sexual contact with young boys going back more than 20 years.

Crown prosecutor Donna Spaner cited aggravating factors in the case including the size and depravity of Hunt’s child porn collection, the ages of the children depicted and the duration of time over which the material was collected.

Defence lawyer Dan Wilson is seeking a 10-year sentence.

“Nothing this court can do can undo the harm that has been created,” Wilson said Wednesday.

Wilson said Hunt hopes to get professional help while incarcerated to resolve his “deep-rooted issues.”

“There will be considerable time for professionals to truly, hopefully reprogram him before he is released ... which at some point he will be.”

Hunt, 55, apologized to his victims during the sentencing hearing.

“I am extremely ashamed and remorseful for the actions I have done and the crimes I have committed,” Hunt said.

“You should not have these feelings because of the things I did to you — I hope each of you can recover from what I did to you.”

Provincial court Judge Jim Glass is to hand down his sentencing decision on Nov. 26.