Warning: This article discusses sexual abuse and child abuse.

An Alberta judge sentenced a Fort McMurray, Alta., woman to 10 years in prison Wednesday after she was found guilty of child pornography and sexual interference with a minor.

On Wednesday, King’s Court Judge Shaina Leonard said Marlena Bennett, 37, committed the crimes to appease her partner Andrew Wall but still had high moral culpability.

Leonard also believes Bennett poses a risk to the public and children because Bennett is still involved with Wall and does not want to end contact with him.

Bennett and Wall were arrested in February 2021 after police seized their computers and electronic devices and conducted forensic analysis in October 2020, according to a 2021 ALERT statement.

Police say the child pornography investigation involved an infant victim.

Bennett was initially charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count each of possession of child pornography, sexual assault, sexual interference and bestiality.

He was convicted earlier this year on child pornography and sexual interference charges.

Considering the time he spent in custody before the trial, he is just over nine years away from entering service.

The judge also imposed several conditions on Bennett, including that he be banned from contacting Wall during his sentence. He also recommended that Bennett attend a program for sex offenders offered by Corrections Canada.

Moral culpability for Wall’s behavior diminished

Defense attorney Frank Carbonaro acknowledged Bennett’s crimes were serious but argued his moral culpability was diminished by his unhealthy relationship with Wall.

He said Bennett was facing serious pressure, coercion and bullying from Wall when he committed these crimes.

Leonard said Bennett’s moral culpability was high but acknowledged Wall’s behavior played a role. The judge noted Bennett tried to resist Wall but failed and committed the crimes to please him.

But Bennett had been in contact with Wall since his arrest and thought they were still in a relationship, Leonard said, adding that Bennett was reluctant to cut off communication with Wall.

As a result, Leonard found that Bennett still poses a risk to the public and children.

According to the expert report received by the court, Bennett’s risk of re-offending is moderate. He was identified as a possible target of pressure that could lead to further crimes.

The report stated that Bennett produced child sexual abuse material through long text messages and “vulgar and suggestive” images he shared with Wall.

Bennett did not speak during the sentencing hearing. Carbonaro, his lawyer, declined to be interviewed.

Crown pleased with sentence

Speaking to CBC News after Wednesday’s hearing, Crown Prosecutor Bonnie Parker said she was satisfied with the “very well worded” sentence and did not plan to appeal the verdict.

Parker said the sentence made sense given Bennett’s involvement, but was critically necessary given the aggravating factors.

Since Bennett has no prior criminal record, Parker said he hopes the sentence sends a strong message.

“I hope women from all walks of life will appreciate that babies are not suitable sexual partners and that if your partner wants to have sexual intercourse with a baby, you need to be strong enough to get out of that relationship,” Parker said.

Parker said there is “no question” Wall is more culpable than Bennett for pressuring Bennett. But given that Bennett was abused and manipulated in his childhood, he finds it concerning that Bennett “doesn’t appreciate him being manipulative and coercive.”

“If he is released from custody and reunited with (Wall), the expert report recognizes that there is a very real risk that he will commit similar crimes,” Parker said.

Wall’s sentencing will be at a later date that has not yet been determined.