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“She was not simply a follower caught up in the moment,” Judge McMahon said.

This is becoming a very fashionable crime and I’m not sure that it’s politically motivated by most people

Pflug-Back, who was convicted of seven counts of mischief and one of wearing a disguise, has received on of the stiffest sentences in G20 cases to date; the others range from conditional sentences to 18 months in prison. With four months credit for pretrial custody and restrictive bail, Pflug-Back has 11 months left to serve.

Throughout the G20 rampage, Pflug-Back and her fellow rioters “cowardly” covered their faces with masks and effectively damaged the cause of legitimate protesters, Judge McMahon said.

“The activities of this criminal element, including the accused, left our downtown Toronto looking like a war zone,” he said, citing “a significant level of planning and sophistication” in the Black Bloc’s operation.

“Unlike many others, [Pflug-Back’s] culpability runs throughout the entire rampage.”

Pflug-Back showed “zero remorse” for the harm she caused, acting disinterested throughout several court appearances and, when given the opportunity to address the court, speaking only of her future academic ambitions, Judge McMahon added.

Crown attorney Elizabeth Nadeau, who had called for a sentence of 18 to 24 months, lauded the judge’s ruling as “well-reasoned and fair.” She emphasized the need to deter the public from similar acts.

“This is becoming a very fashionable crime and I’m not sure that it’s politically motivated by most people,” Ms. Nadeau said. “The court had to send a pretty clear message to protect the public, and I think that’s what the judge did today.”

Defence lawyer Steve Gehl declined to comment on the meat of the ruling, saying his client had not yet considered whether to appeal.

Asked outright whether Pflug-Back was sorry for what she had done, Mr. Gehl responded: “I think she very much realizes that she wants to continue her social activism in ways that are more effective.”

National Post