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Child porn trial begins for nephrologist Ian MacDonald

Day 2 begins Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Court gavel
(File photo)

Editor’s note: The child pornography charges against Sudbury nephrologist Ian MacDonald were withdrawn by the Crown on Oct. 7, 2020 after Justice Heather-Ann Mendes ruled in September that search warrants issued following the seizure and subsequent search of MacDonald’s office computer were facially invalid and that the warrants “exceeded the authority that was intended to be granted.”

A Health Sciences North nephrologist who faces nine child pornography charges had his first day in court Monday.

Dr. Ian MacDonald is charged with accessing and possessing child pornography. On Day 1 of the two-day court proceedings, he sat quietly, looking over notes.

He was dressed in a blue suit and wore a mask due to health and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He is being represented by Toronto lawyer Michael Lacy. 

Much was discussed by both the defence and the Crown, however, a Section 517 publication ban prevents anything from being made public during the court proceedings. 

These publication bans cover all evidence, information, what is said in court by all parties, and the reasons for bail or denial of bail. These bans extend until the accused is discharged after the preliminary inquiry or the trial is completed.

MacDonald was arrested on May 15 by Greater Sudbury Police Service after HSN staff contacted them over concerns about activity on a computer in the hospital.

The Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit and computer forensic unit executed several search warrants and a forensic investigation was conducted on a computer seized from MacDonald’s office at HSN.

He was granted bail in May 2019 and was to live with his father in Belleville. In June, MacDonald’s spouse also pledged herself as a surtey, giving him the right to stay in Sudbury.

Day 2 begins Tuesday, July 14 at 10 a.m.


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Arron Pickard

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