R. v. Weedon
2023 ONCJ 318
In the Ontario Court of Justice
Court File Number 22-14721
Before Justice R. Wadden
Decided on July 17, 2023

Relevancy of the Case: Sentencing hearing in a case involving accessing ex-girlfriend’s Snapchat account and posting her nude images

Statutes and Provisions Involved

• The Criminal Code, 1985 (Section 162.1, 430(5), 264)

Relevant Facts of the Case

• On September 25, 2021, Weedon accessed his ex-girlfriend’s Snapchat account and posted nude images and videos of her to her Snapchat.
• The jury trial found him guilty on the counts of making available intimate images without consent, mischief by altering computer passwords, and criminal harassment.
• In this case, the court hears the matter on his sentencing.

Prominent Arguments by the Advocates

• The Crown’s counsel and the accused’s counsel both agree that a sentence is necessary. However, the Crown’s counsel seeks a sentence of two years plus probation. On the other hand, the accused’s counsel suggests a sentence of 9 to 12 months plus probation.

Opinion of the Bench

• Due to the accused’s acts, the victim had physically collapsed at work and suffered since her photos were visible to her friends’ group and professional contacts.
• In sextortion cases, the sentencing is usually in the mid to upper ranges.
• The accused does not have a criminal record.

Final Decision

• The court sentenced the accused to a jail term of 12 months and three years of probation. The court also passed orders prohibiting him from accessing the internet in custody and contacting his ex-girlfriend.

Arnav Kaman, an undergraduate student at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab, prepared this case summary during his internship with The Cyber Blog India in January/February 2024.