No dangerous offender label for Lalo

Convicted pedophile Cesar Lalo could be out of jail in five years, despite an attempt by prosecutors to have him locked up indefinitely.

On Wednesday, Justice Heather Robertson dismissed the Crown's recommendation to have Lalo declared a dangerous offender. Instead, she designated him a long-term offender and sentenced him to nine years in prison.

That designation is for offenders who are likely to commit more sex crimes but may be managed with treatment and proper supervision.

Once Lalo is released, he'll be under strict conditions for 10 years:

• reside in a halfway house for two years
• undergo chemical castration to suppress sexual urges
• provide police with DNA sample
• stay away from anyone under 18 unless supervised
• avoid shopping malls, playgrounds
• no driving without a supervisor

Lalo, 63, was convicted of sexually assaulting 29 boys from 1973 to 1989 while working as a probation officer and social worker.

He has already served nine years for his crimes. Taking into account the time he has spent in jail awaiting trial, Lalo will be eligible for release in about five years. He'll be almost 70.

Lalo showed little reaction when Robertson read out her decision Wednesday. When asked if he had anything to say to the court, Lalo said no.

Crown prosecutor Catherine Cogswell says Lalo has been sentenced to a total of 18 years, which is "either the highest or the second highest sentence given to a pedophile in Canadian history."

One victim who was in court commends the prosecutors and detectives in the case. "[Lalo's] life will definitely ... be very strictly controlled so he won't be playing any golf," says the man, who cannot be named because of a publication ban.

• March 15, 2004 - Dangerous offender label for Lalo?