Ex-priest sentenced more than 5 years for sex crimes

Former priest Albert LeBlanc pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault dating back to the 1970s – each with the name of a different victim attached.

A former Roman Catholic priest has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for sex crimes in Yarmouth.

Albert LeBlanc faced 50 counts, all alleging the sexual abuse of boys during his days in Yarmouth County, where he worked first as a priest and later, after he left the priesthood in 1975, as a probation officer.

LeBlanc pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault dating back to the 1970s – each with the name of a different victim attached.

Today, Judge James Burrill accepted a joint recommendation by the crown and defence.

Prior to the sentencing, the 83-year-old was asked if he wanted to say anything to his victims, but he opted to remain silent.

Six of his accusers were present in court. Their reaction was described as stoic.

After the sentencing, Leblanc was taken into custody and led from the courtroom by sheriff’s deputies.

Due to the joint recommendation, it was already known Leblanc was headed to prison, so his luggage was already packed and ready to go.

While he was being led out of the court, it was handed to deputies.