A university student who showed “zero remorse” for smashing three police cars and five stores during the Black Bloc riot at Toronto’s G20 Summit two years ago has been sentenced to 15 months in jail.

Kelly Pflug-Back calmly smiled at friends after Ontario Superior Court Justice John McMahon denounced her leadership role, albeit limited, in the June 26, 2010, rampage.

“Ms Pflug-Back appears nonchalant and has not acknowledged that her actions were not an appropriate way to get her message across,” McMahon said.

He noted that during previous sentencing sessions the 23-year-old social activist from Guelph has appeared indifferent, yawning and playing with her hair.

When previously asked if she had anything to say, instead of apologizing she only mentioned wanting to attend an internship in Ghana and university in the fall, the judge said.

“I find she showed zero remorse,” McMahon said.

As she was led away in handcuffs, dozens of supporters crowding the University Ave. courtroom stood defiantly with fists in the air, shouting, “We love you.”

Pflug-Back pleaded guilty in February to one count of wearing a disguise with intent, and seven counts of mischief over $5,000.

Hers was one of the stiffest G20 punishments, which have ranged from conditional sentences to 18 months. After time deducted for restrictive bail conditions and pre-trial custody, she will serve 11 months.

The defence had called for a conditional sentence, but McMahon said jail was necessary to deter others and reflect society’s abhorrence for turning downtown Toronto into a “war zone.”

A police officer sitting in a squad car under attack feared for his life and was about to use deadly force to defend himself, while clerks and shoppers in the targeted big businesses were traumatized, the judge said.

The Wilfrid Laurier University student wielded a pole to smash windows and directed fellow rioters to avoid smaller stores.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Damage, including lost sales at the targeted corporate establishments — McDonalds, Adidas, American Apparel, Urban Outfitters and CIBC — amounted to $160,000.

The judge said Pflug-Back was notable for being in the riot from the beginning, when violent protesters donned black clothing and facial disguises at Queen St. W. and Spadina Ave. and marauded up Yonge St. and along College St., before finally removing their disguises and blending into the crowd.