9 a.m. (Dec. 12)
Luke Strimbold's sentence now has the potential to be appealed, according to the BC Prosecution Service.
In an email to PrinceGeorgeMatters, spokesperson Dan McLaughlin says the office of Attorney General David Eby "has been advised of the existence of the petition," which has now garnered over 2,500 signatures as of this update.
"The Special Prosecutor appointed in this case is currently reviewing the sentencing decision before deciding on the next steps, including whether to initiate an appeal."
The BC Prosecution Service adds Eby will have no further comment until the review is complete.
12 p.m. (Dec. 11)
Backlash has begun from the public after Luke Strimbold was sentenced earlier this month for sexual assaults.
A petition has started calling on B.C. Attorney General David Eby to appeal the decision of two years less one day handed to the former Mayor of Burns Lake on Dec. 4 after he pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault involving four boys who were under the age of 16 at the time.
The petition, started by Glenn Laliberate, currently has 2,507 signatures as of this publication.
"The sentence Luke Strimbold is not just and his victims deserve better," a description on the petition site reads.
"Two years less a day stemming from originally 29 charges to only four. Appeal this sentence. Stimbolds victims will live with this traumatic event for the rest of their lives. What is the message our justice system is sending to others that harm innocent children? This was a deliberate act carried out over many years and yet Strimbold will serve less time than he did victimize children, all while he was the Mayor of Burns Lake. This MUST not go unchecked and a predator like this deserves a stiffer sentence. Appeal this decision now."
Strimbold was also sentenced to two years probation, in which he'd have no contact with the complainants.
The court has recommended he serve his sentence at the Ford Mountain Correctional Centre in Chilliwack.
Dan McLaughlin, Communications Counsel for the B.C. Prosecution Service, says Eby would be able to provide direction for approval or conduct of any specific prosecution or appeal.
"The Attorney General is responsible for all prosecutions in the province, and must fulfill this constitutional role in an independent and judicial manner," McLaughlin said in a statement to PrinceGeorgeMatters.
"The Attorney General delegates this function to Crown Counsel, who exercise the prosecution function on the Attorney General’s behalf. However, the Attorney General superintends this function and remains, in turn, accountable to the Legislature for all exercises of prosecutorial authority."
The B.C. Prosecution Service was established to fulfill the Attorney General's mandate on prosecutions, McLaughlin added.
"Its responsibilities include approving and conducting, on behalf of the Crown, all prosecutions and criminal appeals that do not fall within the jurisdiction of the federal prosecution service."
While Eby could step in and could give direction for an appeal, there are certain steps he would have to take to do so.
"Where the AG seeks to exercise his supervisory function and provide a direction with respect to the approval or conduct of any specific prosecution or appeal, that direction must be given in writing to the Assistant Deputy Attorney General and published in the Gazette," McLaughlin added.
"This is set out in s. 5 of the Crown Counsel Act."
