Edmonton playwright sentenced to 6 months in jail on child pornography charge

Edmonton playwright David Belke, convicted of possessing child pornography,has been sentenced to six months in jail, followed by one year of probation.

"Children should never be made subjects of sexual interest in any circumstance," JudgeD'ArcyDePoesaid in the sentencing hearing Friday.

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With 20 supporters in the courtroom, Belkesat quitely as DePoeread out his written decision.

Belke'sfriend of 45 years, Wayne Phare, noted six months is the minimum sentence for the crime.

"I hope that the community as a whole will accept the explanations," said Phare, who believes his friend didn't understand the severity of his actions and stands by him.

Convicted last month

When Belke, 57,was convicted last month, court was told he amassed a collection of images and stories over a period of about eight years and did so primarily out of curiosity, unaware that the pictures and stories were consideredillegal child pornography.

Earlier this year,Belketook his computer to a Staples outlet in Edmonton to be repaired and when atechnician located nude images of young children on the computer, hecontacted police.

Of the images found on Belke's computer, about 12 could be considered child pornography. None were explicit, but some had explicit captions.

Belke never distributed the images.

Police found most of the images appeared to be from "naturist or nudist" sites on the internet.

Belke, who has been out on bail since his arrest in March,has undertaken counselling since being charged.

'A good person who screwed up badly'

DePoesaidBelke"demonstrates considerable remorse" andshowed a clear sense of shame, guilt and regret.

ApsychologistestimatedBelke'srisk ofreoffendingto be very lowand thatBelkewas primarily motivated by curiosity,DePoesaid.

"David's a good person who screwed up badly. David's a good man. He's agentle man," said Phare, adding hewill worry about his friend in jail.

The judge rejected a request from the Crown to prohibit Belke from seeking employment or volunteer opportunities in the company of anyoneunder 16.

Belke was working as a substitute teacher for the Edmonton Public School Board. He was immediately suspended from all teaching duties.

"I don't know what's going to happen there," Phare said.

DePoenoted that severalcharacterreferencesillustrated support in the community, but he acknowledgedBelke'slife and career were shattered.

"It would, however, be a great loss if a man of Mr.Belke'stalent and experience could not be accepted back into the community," the judge said.

Belke hugged his parents as he left the courtroom while friends called out,"We love you, David."

"I think people think so much of him, they might be willing to forgive,"Pharesaid.