Burns Sentencing Begins

Family and friends of Sean Burns will have to wait another two days to hear the final sentence in the extortion and harassment case.

The case dates back to October 2002 when a women filed complaints against Burns and subsequently the 35-year-old North Bay police officer was found guilty of criminal harassment and extortion in August.

Today Burns appeared in Superior Court on Plouffe Street where the sentencing phase of the case began, and his lawyer tried to convince the judge his client should not serve time in prison.

For well over 2 hours the defence lawyer spoke vehemently about his client’s character and contribution to community referring to the 40 plus letters in support of Burns provided to the court.

Burns’ sister and fiancée openly wept as he sighted areas of the letters including a number from Big Brothers, VCARS, and retired police officers.

“Four years of lost liberties ... he has served a four year sentence,” he says.

“It’s a terrible price to pay, he’s paid it already, and will be paid the next day and the next day,” his lawyer continued.

“Humiliation, feeling like you have to hold your head down in shame.”

The defence also read a statement written by Burns describing what life has been like the past four years and what the future holds following the conviction. Burns stated that nothing short of destruction and devastation could describe the situation.

“These dreams have been shattered with a criminal conviction.”

“My character and my word are tarnished. I question my own character,” he writes.

In the statement Burns also states the guilt he carries for the pain and suffering he has caused his loved ones stating that they are jointly punished. His dad has been on the receiving end of comments at work and mom has taken a leave from work.

“My father is smoking again and I feel guilty.”

“They don’t socialise because I fear they are embarrassed.”

“My name is Mud. My reputation is shattered.”

The defence concluded by referencing several cases where officers were involved in violent situations and no time was served.

“Consistency is the hallmark of fairness.”

The Crown acknowledged the strong argument made by the defence but wasn’t buying it.

“It is a persuasive argument … the crown is not persuaded.”

The crown said had the issue just involved the day of the harassment the argument would have merit, however, he said Burns was in uniform, on duty and in position of authority and influence.

The crown attorney said the situation strikes at the heart of public trust and asked for 90 days incarceration followed by probation.

Sentencing resumes Thursday at 10am.