Judge Accepts Joint Submission After Reviewing Case Factors

Thunder Bay – LEGAL – A 35-year-old man was sentenced in an Ontario court on January 29, 2026, after a conviction for possession of child pornography.

Colin Andrew Palmquist appeared before Justice Emily Beaton for sentencing. Family members were present in court in support of the offender.

The court accepted a joint submission on sentencing after the judge completed a review of the materials and the principles of sentencing.

In Canadian sentencing law, courts generally give significant weight to joint submissions and will depart from them only in limited circumstances where the proposed outcome would be contrary to the public interest.

Sentence Includes Jail, Probation, Registry Order, and Restrictions

The court imposed:

• 18 months in jail

• 24 months of probation

• 10 years on the National Sex Offender Registry (sex offender registration order)

• A 10-year weapons prohibition

• A DNA order

The offender will also be subject to conditions that include restrictions around children and limits on internet use, including requirements related to online identity and limitations on certain online services.

What Penalties Could Have Been Imposed

Criminal Code Range for Possession

Under section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code, the available penalties depend on how the Crown proceeds:

• If prosecuted by indictment, the offence carries a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of 1 year.

• If prosecuted summarily, the offence carries a maximum of two years less a day and a mandatory minimum of 6 months.

Sentences can also include probation and other court orders tailored to public safety and supervision.

Sex Offender Registry Duration

Registration orders in Canada can be made for 10 years, 20 years, or life, depending on the offence and circumstances. Where an offence is prosecuted summarily (or where the offence’s maximum penalty is lower), the order can be 10 years; where the offence carries higher maximum penalties, the order is generally longer.

Court Process Note

As with all criminal matters, sentencing reflects the court’s assessment of the offence and the offender’s circumstances, guided by legal principles including denunciation, deterrence, rehabilitation, and protection of the public.

TAGS: Ontario Court of Justice, sentencing, possession of child pornography, Criminal Code, joint submission, Justice Emily Beaton, National Sex Offender Registry, SOIRA, probation, weapons prohibition, DNA order, court process, judicial decision