Here the emphasis is on deterrence:

Two more years for 'Toronto 18' member, judge says Judge rejects defence arguments about how time in segregation should be credited

BRAMPTON, Ont. — The Canadian Press


A convicted member of the Toronto 18 terrorist group was sentenced to serve another two years in custody Friday for his role in a plot to wreak havoc on Canadian targets.

Both the Crown and defence had asked the judge to sentence Ali Dirie to seven years but differed on how much credit he should have had for time served.

In passing sentence, Ontario Superior Court Justice Bruce Durno said terrorism offences "strike at the heart" of Canadian values.

"His moral culpability is high," Justice Durno said.

"His degree of responsibility is also high because of the duration of his involvement (in the terror group)."

Justice Durno rejected defence calls for three-for-one credit for the time Mr. Dirie served in segregation in various prison facilities following his arrest in August 2005.

He also noted that Mr. Dirie continued his involvement with the group even after his arrest.

"It was his own misconduct (in prison) that contributed in part to his placement in segregation," said Justice Durno, adding that Mr. Dirie was "an unlikely candidate for parole."

The 26-year-old Dirie pleaded guilty to taking part in and helping the group obtain weapons and travel documents in a plot to attack Canadian targets, which included RCMP headquarters and Parliament.

James Morton
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