Judge delivers guilty verdict

Another guilty verdict was entered Tuesday against one of 27 men charged as part of a police undercover sting operation focusing on prostitution.

Michael Albert Perry, 50, of Sydney River, was found guilty of communicating for the purpose of obtaining sexual services.

Sentencing is now set for May 18.

“I do not believe the assertions of the accused,” said provincial court Judge Brian Williston, in delivering an oral decision.

Williston said Perry’s testimony during the trial that he was curious about what the woman, an undercover police officer posing as a prostitute, was doing and that he was roleplaying with her was not believable.

“I believe the accused told her to get into the car,” said Williston, adding it was Perry who directed the woman into a parking lot.

The 10-day operation, tagged John Be Gone by police, was staged in August-September 2015 in downtown Sydney.

Cape Breton Regional Police had received numerous complaints from merchants and others about female prostitutes plying their trade in the downtown, particularly hooking up with men in parking lots.

The operation resulted in the arrests of 27 men who were each charged with communicating for the purpose of obtaining a sexual service.

Sentencing for Perry was delayed until May as Williston is scheduled to hear arguments in April, involving another person who pleaded guilty, claiming the penalty is cruel and unusual punishment.

The offence has a mandatory minimum fine of $500 but defence lawyer TJ McKeough will focus his argument more on the fact a convicted person will incur a criminal record that can impede both travel and business opportunities.

Three accused have had their charges dismissed while three others have been found not guilty.

Williston is also to rule in another case after hearing evidence in a trial and is to preside over a trial in June for another of the accused.