Stephane Pizzera - Trucker - Guilty Child Pornography

A Quebec trucker driver who pleaded guilty to possessing and importing child pornography has been jailed for eight months.

Stephane Pizzera, 33, of St. Polycarpe, west of Montreal, brought a laptop computer containing at least 10 video clips of child pornography into Canada via the Blue Water Bridge on July 4, 2006.

The computer was discovered during an inspection at the border crossing.

Though he didn't participate in producing the material, Pizzera played a role in the exploitation of children that's become a scourge on society, Justice Ann McFadyen said in Sarnia court.

Child pornography degrades and debases the most vulnerable for the selfish pleasure of adults, she added, and "the children . . . are forever scarred."

A pre-sentence report stated Pizzera couldn't explain what was wrong with child pornography.

Defence lawyer David Stoesser said the report indicated Pizzera has psychological, emotional and sexual development deficiencies. Any probation order should have a therapeutic aspect to it, Stoesser said.

McFadyen placed Pizzera on probation for three years, with the condition he receive psychological or psychiatric assessment and treatment.

During the probation, Pizzera cannot use a computer or access the Internet unless it's work-related and supervised by his employer. The computer use must also be approved by his probation officer.

McFadyen also imposed a 20-year order prohibiting Pizzera from attending any playground, schoolyard or community centre used by children. He also cannot work or volunteer for any activity that puts him in a position of authority over children.

He must also supply an DNA sample and be placed on the national sex offender registry for 10 years.