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Voluntary entry defeated trafficking charges but operational influence supported multiple convictions.
In a judge-alone criminal trial subject to a publication ban, the Crown alleged that the accused exploited a 17-year-old complainant in connection with sex trade activity, online advertisements, and related offences.
The trial judge rejected the complainant's evidence that she had entered the sex trade unwillingly, finding instead that she participated voluntarily, which defeated the human trafficking and procuring theories.
The court nevertheless found that one accused actively managed the communications, advertisements, pricing, and operational aspects of the sex trade activity, knew the complainant was under 18, and thereby influenced her movements for the purpose of facilitating the provision of sexual services for consideration.
That accused was convicted of influencing a minor contrary to s. 286.3(2), advertising sexual services, receiving a material benefit, and possessing and distributing child pornography; the co-accused was acquitted on all counts.
