Andrew McKay
The former director of graduate studies at Thompson Rivers University has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.
Andrew McKay appeared in B.C. Provincial Court in Salmon Arm on Tuesday without his lawyer to change his plea to guilty.
Court was told that on May 12, 2014, in Kamloops, McKay was found in the possession of child pornography.
Crown prosecutor Bill Hilderman told the court the case is being handled by Kamloops Crown Evan Goulet and the defendant’s lawyer is Shawn Buckley.
Hilderman said Crown is seeking a forensic risk-assessment report, which could delay sentencing up to six weeks.
Judge Mayland McKimm asked McKay why his lawyer was not in the courtroom.
“It has been devastating on my career, family and marriage and I’m eager to deal with it directly,” McKay said.
“It also has been financially devastating. Because today’s appearance is to change my plea, frankly, to save a bit of expense, I wanted to appear on my own . . .”
McKimm tried to establish that McKay understood the ramifications of changing his plea.
“I absolutely understand the short- and long-term circumstances and giving up my right to trial,” McKay responded. “It’s not in any way I don’t know what I’m doing.”
While the judge said a lawyer might wish to investigate different avenues of defence, McKay said for the sake of his family, he wanted to expedite the process.
“I understand,” McKimm said. “I’m giving you 100 per cent credit for that.”
The court decided McKay will be the subject of a pre-sentence report with a psychological and psychiatric component.
The next court date is Oct. 13, when a date will be set for sentencing.
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