A former police officer was sentenced to six months in jail Wednesday for refusing to testify at a public inquiry into systemic sexual abuse in eastern Ontario.
Perry Dunlop, 46, conducted an off-hours investigation into an alleged pedophile ring involving business leaders, politicians and clergy in Cornwall, Ont.
The officer, who now lives in Duncan, B.C., was found in contempt of court after refusing to testify at an inquiry. Officials believe the cop has key evidence but Dunlop said he lost faith in the justice system.
He said he doesn't have the heart to face the "barrage" of lawyers.
"It's one versus 70 (lawyers) and they're all out to get me," Dunlop told a courtroom on Feb. 20.
"I will never walk into that public inquiry,'' he said in a 40-minute submission where he consistently referred to himself in the third person.
"I felt from day one they were out to get Perry Dunlop,'' he said, having chosen to represent himself in court rather than speak through a lawyer.
"They were out to crucify Perry Dunlop.''
He also told court that day that his family faced harassment and death threats for 15 years after the public learned of the allegations.
In a Toronto courtroom Wednesday, Dunlop was handed the sentence but was told his conviction could be overturned at any time by taking the stand at the inquiry. Once he testifies, he could apply for immediate release from custody.
Dunlop's off-hours investigation prompted a police probe, dubbed Project Truth. However, the probe was unable to prove the allegations of a pedophile ring. Although 15 men were charged with 115 offences, only one person was convicted.
With files from The Canadian Press
