Kimberly Rogers Inquest Alerts

Kimberly Rogers Inquest - Tuesday October 29 - Day 11
Ontario Social Safety NetWork (OSSN) Summary

On Tuesday October 29, a provincial official who provides policy guidelines to Crown attorneys gave evidence. When asked to expand on whether factors such as the impact of a conviction and sentence on the mental health of the accused, and whether the conviction would result in loss of income, she indicated that such factors could be taken into account, if known to the crown. When asked if the circumstances which led to the commission of the crime should be considered, such as whether the crime was committed out of the need to survive rather than greed, lawyers for the Attorney General and Public Security Ministries objected. This time however the Coroner allowed the questioning as long as it was directed in a general way to the kinds of factors taken into consideration.

Ms. Scott also asked this official from Attorney General whether there are any specific guidelines to deal with welfare fraud (response: no) and whether since Ms. Rogers death there has been any change to the practises in such prosecutions (response: No, but it might be a good idea to give the crowns information about the OW Act).

Later the Crown attorney whofirst dealt with Ms. Rogers' file took the stand. He had first recommended a six month conditional sentence followed by 18 months probation, and restitution. The sentence was to include a curfew, but at that point he had not specified the exact details of the house arrest. His testimony and that of the Crown who attended the sentencing hearing continue on Wednesday.

Nancy Vander Plaats
Ontario Social Safety Network (OSSN)
http://dawn.thot.net/ossn