Edmonton pediatrician sentenced to 18 months on child pornography charges

File photo of Ghassan Al-Naami. (Source: https://www.bfclinic.ca/)

An Edmonton pediatrician who was found guilty on child pornography charges last year will spend 18 months in jail.

On Wednesday, Ghassan Al-Naami was sentenced to 18 months for distribution of child pornography and 12 months for possession of child pornography.

The sentences will be served concurrently followed by 18 months of probation.

Court heard that while Al-Naami did not violate any of his patients, he has not taken any responsibility for his actions and has shown no remorse.

"Being a pediatrician he's very acquainted with the vulnerability of children," Justice Kent Davidson said, adding Al-Naami had pleaded guilty, a lighter sentence likely would have been imposed.

Al-Naami's name will be added to the sex offender registry and he must provide the court a sample of his DNA.

He is suspended from practicing medicine and his medical licence will be revoked.

After the sentence was read Al-Naami hugged his lawyer and his wife before he was escorted away by sheriffs.

He had previously practiced in health centres in Edmonton and Fort McMurray before his arrest in 2019.