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House Arrest and Jail Time For Stephans in Death of Ezekial

Jun 24, 2016 | 3:54 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Supporters of David and Collet Stephan broke into muted cheers, but quickly let out gasps of shock, as the couple was sentenced Friday afternoon.

They expressed relief as Collet was given a three month Conditional Sentence Order (house arrest), and their spirits quickly dropped as David was handed a four month jail sentence. Both also received two years of probation.

It follows their April conviction of failing to provide the necessaries of life, in connection with the 2012 death of their 18-month old son Ezekiel.

In delivering his decision, Justice Rodney Jerke called the Crown’s request for three to 4.5 years in prison far too high, and the defence suggestion of a conditional discharge too low.

It became clear through the process that David would receive a stronger sentence, as Jerke discussed the difference in remorse between the two. He specifically talked about an interview David did earlier in the week, in which he called the case a parental rights issue. Jerke said David was “More focused on the consequences to himself” than on accepting responsibility for his failure to get medical help for his son. He called it “A complete lack of remorse”, adding that Collet was blinded to the fact that Ezekiel needed medical help, but that David was willfully blind.

The proceedings were interrupted briefly, when an individual stormed into the courtroom and shouted, “The stewardship of children is the parents’ responsibility.” He continued to yell, “It’s the truth,” as sheriffs dragged him from the courtroom. Outside the courthouse a Stephan family member told the media that the man wasn’t connected to them and they didn’t even know who he was.

After delivering the sentences, Jerke outlined the conditions of Collet’s CSO, during which time she must remain in her home 24-hours a day, seven days a week. She will only be allowed to leave for medical, dental or counselling appointments, to buy groceries, to vote and to attend religious services. She must also post the sentencing decision on the Facebook page ‘Prayers for Ezekiel’ and any other social media sites that she is affiliated with.

As part of their probation, both David and Collet must complete 240 hours of community service by 2018. Jerke also issued a requirement that they take their three children to a public health nurse every three months.

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