Lahey’s computer and other electronic devices contained 588 photos, 60 videos and stories the police categorized as child pornography.
Lahey’s lawyer Michael Edelson told the court May 4 his client “feels very deeply and profoundly remorseful for what he has done.”
The bishop, who resigned his See abruptly after his electronic devices were seized, could face canonical penalties, including dismissal from the clerical state.
Lahey’s sentencing postponed to August
By Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic NewsOTTAWA - Bishop Raymond Lahey’s sentencing hearing for importing child porn has been postponed to Aug. 4 and 5.
The sentencing hearing had been scheduled for June 24, but the Crown had not received the report from forensic psychiatrist Dr. John Bradford, who assessed the former Antigonish bishop.
Lahey, 71, the former bishop of Antigonish, N.S., faces a minimum of one year in prison and could receive up to 10 years. In August, Bradford will be cross-examined concerning the bishop’s mental state and likelihood of reoffending.
Lahey pleaded guilty to importing child porn May 4, 18 months after a Canadian Border Services agent stopped the bishop at Ottawa airport and pulled him aside for a secondary search of his laptop. A more serious charge of possession for the purpose of distribution was dropped by the Crown. The bishop opted to go to jail immediately, pending his sentencing hearing.
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