Thursday, July 9, 2026
ADVT 
National

Crown begins closing in B.C. extortion trial

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 26 Jul, 2022 12:25 PM
  • Crown begins closing in B.C. extortion trial

Crown and defence counsel have finished calling evidence in the British Columbia Supreme Court trial for the Dutch man accused of harassing and extorting teenager Amanda Todd before she died a decade ago.

Aydin Coban pleaded not guilty at the jury trial in New Westminster to charges of extortion, harassment, communication with a young person to commit a sexual offence and possessing child pornography.

Crown attorney Kristen LeNoble began closing arguments by telling jurors she would spend the next few days helping them "unpack" the evidence, including testimony from more than 30witnesses and binders full of 80 exhibits.

By the time the Crown is finished, LeNoble says they will have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Coban was the person behind 22 separate online aliases used to harass and extort Todd with child pornography that depicted her.

LeNoble says Todd's harassment began just before her 13th birthday when she received a message that threatened to send a video of her to friends, family and local media.

Crown prosecutor Louise Kenworthy told the jury at the start of the trial last month that the teenager from Port Coquitlam, B.C., had been the victim of a persistent campaign of online "sextortion" over three years before her death in October 2012.

Carol Todd testified that her daughter was scared when she brought messages to her mother's attention, and Amanda's distress increased with each incident.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 26, 2022.

MORE National ARTICLES

IIO clears Vancouver police officers in shooting

IIO clears Vancouver police officers in shooting
Officers responded to an early morning call from the Salvation Army, where a man who appeared to be drunk was banging on windows and had reportedly been seen carrying a sword, the report said, noting interviews from civilian witnesses and paramedics.

IIO clears Vancouver police officers in shooting

Vancouver Police investigates attack on homeless man

Vancouver Police investigates attack on homeless man
It shows a man in his 20s arguing for several minutes with a group of people, who he appears to know. When a homeless man walked by the group, the suspect swatted him in the head, chased him down the sidewalk, pushed him to the ground, and repeatedly kicked him.

Vancouver Police investigates attack on homeless man

Delta will charge unvaccinated employees $200 per month

Delta will charge unvaccinated employees $200 per month
The airline said Wednesday that it also will stop extending pay protection to unvaccinated workers who contract COVID-19 on Sept. 30, and will require unvaccinated workers to be tested weekly beginning Sept. 12, although Delta will cover the cost. 

Delta will charge unvaccinated employees $200 per month

Military will leave Kabul before Aug. 31: Sajjan

Military will leave Kabul before Aug. 31: Sajjan
Sajjan said that's because the U.S. is leading the mission and providing security and so its forces, some 6,000 personnel, must be the last to leave the airport. That means Canada's special forces and aircrews must begin departure preparations in advance.    

Military will leave Kabul before Aug. 31: Sajjan

Climate change wiping out billions of sea stars

Climate change wiping out billions of sea stars
There are still some populations of sea stars in B.C. waters, but it's unclear if they'll survive, said Sara Hamilton, who is a PhD student at Oregon State University and lead author of the study.

Climate change wiping out billions of sea stars

Trudeau in B.C., other leaders in Ontario

Trudeau in B.C., other leaders in Ontario
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau will be campaigning in British Columbia today while the heads of the New Democrats and Conservative will be in Ontario. Trudeau is expected to make an announcement in Surrey. B.C., before meeting with a local family to discuss housing.

Trudeau in B.C., other leaders in Ontario