Last October it was widely reported that an American school teacher was able to wriggle his way out of jail time for committing a sex crime against one of his students. The solution? Spend three years on probation, in Canada.
Ron Charles Reports for CBC (Video)
Canadian judge releases American sex offender
A U.S. judge sentenced Watson, 35, to three years of probation for a sexual act involving a 15-year-old girl. Under the terms of a plea bargain, Watson is allowed to serve out the sentence while living in St. Catharines, Ont.
The federal government wants Watson sent back to the U.S.
“Obviously, like most Canadians, we’re outraged, but we are extremely limited when it comes to legal options,” (Stephen) Harper told reporters on Friday afternoon in Oakville, Ont.
‘We’ll use every legal means possible to prevent this individual from being free in Canada.’-Prime Minister Stephen Harper
”BUT”
He is, unfortunately, a Canadian resident, and Canada’s laws on this regard are too loose.”-Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Harper also said the case was a perfect opportunity for opposition parties to stop “stalling” his government’s criminal justice agenda, including Bill C-22, which if passed, would raise the general age of sexual consent to 16 from 14.
In New York state, the age of consent for male-female sexual relations is 17.
It’s been nearly a year yet, the guy’s still here.
Online Petition to get Watson out Of Canada.
Sex Offender Malcolm Watson not Welcome in Canada
Filed under: Media Coverage, Petition, Video
