Sentencing for refusal to testify

R. v. Yegin, 2010 ONCA 238, released late yesterday, deals with sentencing for refusal to testify. In light of the recent mistrial in Manners the importance of ensuring that witnesses testify fully and truthfully is specially to be emphasized:

 

[2]              The justice system depends on witnesses who testify as required.  The justice system’s response to those who prefer to remain aligned with their criminal cohorts rather than do their duty as citizens must be firm and direct – significant jail terms above and beyond whatever other period of incarceration the individual is, or might be, facing for his own participation in the relevant events must be imposed.