Stephen John LeClair pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing child pornography and one count of accessing child pornography.
The Crown sought a 4-year prison sentence, while the defence argued for a conditional sentence of 2 years less a day or a 12-month jail sentence.
The court considered the large volume and vile nature of the child pornography, the severe victim impact, and the primary sentencing principles of denunciation and deterrence.
While acknowledging the offender's remorse, low risk of reoffending, and prior good character, the court found that an alleged acquired brain injury did not reduce moral culpability.
The court concluded that a conditional sentence was inappropriate given the gravity of the offences and the need for a strong denunciatory and deterrent message.
A sentence of 3.5 years in custody was imposed.
