Cancer may kill Michael Berry before sentencing: lawyer
Posted March 21, 2012 3:47 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS1130) – Michael Berry could die before he ever serves time in jail.
The former Capilano University film teacher found guilty of abusing young girls decades ago is in the final stages of cancer. The judge in the case wanted an update from doctors before proceeding with sentencing.
The focus now is on providing comfort in Berry’s final days as arrangements for hospice treatment are worked out, according to Berry’s lawyer, who suggested some sort of parole agreement could be worked out.
The Crown admits, even if the nine-year sentence it wants is handed down, Berry might not live the average three months it takes before prison intake. A decision late next month might also come too late.
Court heard Berry offered food and money in exchange for sex or nude photos from his victims in the 1970s and 1980s.
This is the fourth time sentencing has been delayed.
