As a judge begins to ponder a sentence, Katheryn Thompson stood in a Barrie courtroom on Friday to say she was sorry.
Wiping tears away from her face while sitting in the prisoner’s box, Thompson spoke for the first time in court.
“I’ve wanted to say I’m sorry for the longest time,” Thompson read aloud from a prepared statement. “I'm sorry for my actions and choices for my part in this horrendous case. I’m sorry to the victims and their families.”
Thompson has pleaded guilty to several sex crimes against children. She was charged along with Shayne Lund and Avery Taylor.
“The remorse and guilt I have for my actions is something that weighs heavily on my heart and my mind and I'll carry that with me for the rest of my life. Every day I wish I could go back in time and change everything to save each victim from being victimized. To have protected them.”
Thompson’s lawyer says it has been a long trial for everyone.
“For her today, reading the statement she read to the court was closure for her,” says lawyer Angela McLeod.
The Crown is asking for a sentence of four to six years, with some credit for the time she's already spent in jail. It is also seeking a long-term offender designation for 10 years once she is released.
Thompson's lawyer is asking for no more jail time, and three years’ probation.
A sentence is not expected to be handed down until April 20 in Newmarket.
“I wish I could go back and change everything. I am so very sorry.”
