The sentencing hearing for Kathryn Thompson, one of three young adults who pleaded guilty to sex crimes involving children is underway.

The forensic psychiatrist who prepared Thompson’s psychiatric report was the first to testify.

“If there is appropriate treatment and if there is appropriate supervision, Kathryn Thompson is a low absolute risk,” Dr. Jeff McMaster told the court.  

The crown asked Dr. McMaster how difficult it is to evaluate female sex offenders.

“Research is very much in the begging stages,” McMaster replied. “There are challenges of measuring the risk because men tend to make up the vast majority of sex offenders—outnumbering women by almost 20:1.”

The psychiatrist also noted in his report that despite Thompson’s assurance she would never commit crimes like this again.

“She over estimates her ability to be risk free in all of this going forward,” said Dr. McMaster.

In January 2015, Thompson pleaded guilty to 11 charges, she had been facing 26.

A number of the crimes she pleaded guilty to involve child pornography – including making and possessing it.

The charges also include:

  • Bestiality
  • Conspiring to administer a noxious substance
  • Conspiring to commit sexual assault.

The defence maintains a long-term offender designation isn’t necessary and referred to several places in the report where they believe Thompson showed insight and remorse for what happened.

The defence asked Dr. McMaster if how he felt Thompson did while she was out on bail as her case made its way through the court.

“It’s promising given that she did well during that period of time,” Dr. McMaster told the court. He also suggesting the risk can be managed, but Thompson would require professional supervision.

The defence also filed several letters of support from Thompson’s family members and former surety’s.

In some cases, an LTO designation can result in long term supervisions in the community-upwards of ten years.

The court takes several things into account, including if a prison sentence of two or more years is appropriate for the offences, if there is a substantial risk the person will reoffend and if there is a reasonable possibility the risk the offender presents can eventually be controlled.

At the end, it’s a judge who decides if a person is declared a long-term offender.

The crown is asking for a sentence of four to six years, minus time already spent in custody.

The sentencing hearing continues Thursday.