Robert Sinding

The accused pleaded guilty to multiple offences involving child pornography possession and distribution, possession of stolen photographs of children, sexual interference with his young niece, and invitation to sexual touching.

The court imposed a sentence of two years less a day for the child pornography charges (joint submission), followed by two and a half years consecutive for sexual interference (with credit for pre-trial custody), with concurrent sentences on the remaining charges.

Ancillary orders included DNA sampling, firearm prohibition, sex offender registry compliance, and restrictions on contact with minors.

The appellants appealed a decision regarding whether their trial should be heard by a judge rather than a justice of the peace.

The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, finding that while the statute recognizes complex cases may be heard by a judge, it does not require it, making the decision a matter of discretion.

The court found no reviewable error in the lower courts' decisions.