I was stunned when I read this week about a man who is sitting in a jail cell awaiting trial for alleged sex crimes against children who is being permitted to watch child pornography.  I imagine that many of you have seen this story and had the same amazed reaction.  But, the legal system has affirmed that it is his legal right to view these videos as much as he wants.

Marc Gilbert is accused of sexually assaulting young boys and videotaping his criminal activity.  He has collected 28 DVDs that catalog more than 100 hours of his recordings.  And, since he has chosen to act as his own counsel in the case, he has the right to review the pornography as evidence.

The Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor readily declared that he is not happy about giving Gilbert access to the material, but the state Supreme Court has affirmed that there is nothing that can be done to stop it.  If denied the DVDs, Gilbert would not have all of the evidence at his disposal in order to develop the best possible defense on his own behalf. 

Gilbert was a pilot for UPS and would lure the boys with rides in his airplane and flying lessons.  He often gave them alcohol before spanking or caning them and then forcing sexual acts.  He now faces fourteen felony counts, including child rape, child molestation, and possession of “depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.” 

What are your thoughts on this man, who pled guilty in federal court in 2009 of producing child pornography before changing his mind about the deal proposed to him, being able to watch these heinous acts of violence he committed against children? 

Is this necessary in order to maintain the system of justice and rights for the accused we have in his country? 

Or, is it taking things too far?

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Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting