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To prepare for a day he knew would end with him being taken to prison, Pastukov chose clothes that were casual and “comfy” instead of a suit and tie, he said outside court before his sentencing.

“I’m going to throw a bunch of this stuff out after I get released,” he said of his coat and shoes. “I’m going to see if I can take the hoodie in with me at some point because it’s fairly warm, same with the hat,” he said of his toque.

He said living without the internet would be a challenge.

“That’s going to be the worst thing about it. I’m not going to get my hot takes off,” he said. “I’m going to do a newsletter, that’s going to be sent out to some of my closer friends and family.”

His hot takes and his seemingly unrepentant internet activity during his trial was at odds with his demeanor in front of the judge. Asked about that contrast, he said, “You know, I’m a changed person.” When it was pointed out the change was evident within weeks, he added, “People change everyday.”

Photo by Handout

The day did finish with him being sent to prison.

He sat for a few minutes after Pringle’s ruling with his mother in court, both teary as they hugged. A Toronto Police special constable then asked him if had anything in his pockets. The officer did paperwork and pulled out a few tissues and handed them to Pastukhov. As Pastukhov continued to wait, he spoke with a journalist who is preparing a podcast on his case.

Then the officer asked him to stand and turn. He locked a pair of handcuffs around his wrists behind his back and led Pastukhov away through the hallway.