Greg Campbell, former vice-principal, should get probation in harassment case, says defence
Sally Pitt | CBC News | Posted: April 20, 2016 2:29 PM | Last Updated: April 20, 2016
'This is a low-end case,' says Campbell's lawyer, requesting probation in harassment case
A vice-principal awaiting sentencing for harassment apologized to his victim in court on Wednesday.
Gregory Dwight Campbell, 51, pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal harassment for repeatedly texting, phoning and following a woman last year.
A court order prohibits identifying her.
A hearing is being held to determine an appropriate sentence for Campbell.
Wednesday, Campbell accepted the judge's invitation to make a statement prior to sentencing.
"I'm well aware of the pain and hardship the victim has gone through. For this, I'm truly sorry," Campbell told the court.
"I made a mistake. I'm not trying to minimize my actions. Every day I feel shame for the hurt I have brought to others."
He told the court he has lost his position as vice-principal and the publicity around this case has undermined his reputation in the community, hurt his family and his relationship with them.
Campbell was vice-principal at Stonepark Intermediate School at the time of the offences. The school board said he is now on leave.
Campbell's lawyer is recommending a conditional discharge with probation as a sentence on harassment charge, rather than jail time.
Peter Ghiz told the court his client has been "publicly humiliated" by this trial, and that any concerns of the court could be addressed through counselling.
"I'm not saying he's a victim here, but he's been through an ordeal," said Ghiz. "This is a low-end case."
He told the judge his client's physical health has gone downhill in recent months.
Referring to a pre-sentence report, Ghiz said Campbell is "embarrassed by the incident" and is "struggling to cope."
He said Campbell has trouble sleeping, is on medication for depression, and has seen a counsellor.
The Crown had asked for three to four months in jail — not house arrest — plus probation, and potentially a DNA order and firearms prohibition.
Valerie Moore told the court any ordeal Campbell went through was of his own doing.
She also pointed out Campbell continued to contact the victim after he started seeing a counsellor.
Provincial court judge John Douglas said he wants to take some time to consider the arguments.
He is scheduled to sentence Campbell on Friday April 29.