Andrija Kandic, who was convicted on charges of living off the avails of prostitution, has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison.
The 40-year-old was alleged to have run a small prostitution ring out of his home and the adult novelty store he owned.
Several convictions related to his control of about 12 prostitutes, including a 15- and 17-year-old, from whom he took 40 per cent of their estimated $160/hour earnings.
The age of the young prostitutes was reportedly the reason for what is considered a substantial sentence for the charges.
Kandic was also convicted of one count of making child pornography.
The sentence is in the range the prosecution was hoping for.
Crown prosecutor Judith MacDonald says "It's a rare offense in this jurisdiction to see a child prostitution case and we wanted to deter others from committing such acts where vulnerable young children are involve."
The judge told the court that while Kandic thought there was nothing wrong with what he was doing, that he thought he was helping the women out of poverty, he was really preying on them.
One of the young prostitutes was addicted to drugs and alcohol, and the judge said Kandic took advantage of that dependence and vulnerability.
When it comes to minors, the law is clear, says defence lawyer James Ruddock.
"That's recognized by Parliament by the fact that they have put into place two year, mandatory minimum sentences. It's one of the very few charges where you automatically go to the penitentiary."
Kandic's DNA has also been collected and his name added to the sex offender registry.
