By Jeff Johnson of The Drive with files from The Canadian Press

Prosecutor wants jail time for two men in British Columbia polygamy case

May 15, 2018 | 12:33 PM

CRANBOOK, B.C. — Sentencing began Tuesday (May 15) in a Cranbrook court for two men convicted of polygamy last year.

Wives and children of the Winston Blackmore family filled two courtrooms as the Crown suggested terms for 62-year old Blackmore and 54-year old James Oler.

Some of the family members were holding signs stating “Families Not Felons” and “Relationships are for individuals to choose, not for laws to define!”

Special Crown Prosecutor, Peter Wilson, submitted to Justice Sheri Ann Donegan that Blackmore be sentenced to a jail term of 90 days to six months, and that Oler be jailed for one month to 90 days.

He noted that while the maximum sentence for polygamy under the Criminal Code is five years in prison, Wilson noted there are only two other convictions for polygamy in Canadian history.  However, those cases took place in 1899 and 1906 they do not help in determining a sentence.

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Meanwhile, Blackmore’s lawyer called for a conditional or absolute discharge in the case, so that Blackmore could continue working and supporting his family.

Justice Donegan found Blackmore guilty last July of marrying two dozen women, while Oler was found to have married five women.