Ex-city councillor to be sentenced in New Brunswick for sexually abusing boys

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – A former municipal politician and youth worker in New Brunswick is expected to be sentenced today in Saint John after admitting to sexually abusing boys and making pornographic images of children.

Donnie Snook pleaded guilty in May to 46 charges, including sexual assault and possessing, making and distributing child pornography.

The crimes spanned 12 years and involved 17 boys, most of whom were from the Saint John area and between the ages of five and 15 at the time of the offences.

At his sentencing hearing in August, the 41-year-old man said he was ashamed of his actions and told the provincial court that he was sexually abused as a boy in Newfoundland.

The Crown has argued for a 21-year prison sentence for Snook, who was arrested after a lengthy investigation involving the Saint John and Toronto police and the seizure of thousands of photos and videos of child pornography.

The defence argued for a 12-year prison term, saying Snook is willing to help the victims in any way he can and is eager to undergo rehabilitation.

Snook also faces two counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference involving a boy for alleged incidents in the mid-1990s in Newfoundland.