Even the threat of death wouldn't be enough to compel a former Ontario police officer to testify before a public inquiry into an alleged pedophile ring, he told a Toronto court on Wednesday.

Perry Dunlop made the comment before a judge remanded him into custody and reserved his decision on his contempt of court charge until March 5.

Perry Dunlop blew the whistle on the sex abuse scandal in Cornwall in the 1990s, but has refused to testify at the public inquiry into the allegations.
(CBC)

The 43-year-old former cop was arrested over the weekend in his B.C. home after refusing to testify at the inquiry in the eastern Ontario city of Cornwall — an inquiry largely prompted by his own off-hour investigations.

"I will never go to that public inquiry in Cornwall even if you put a gun to my head," said Dunlop. "It's been excruciating."

Lawyers for Ontario's attorney general and the inquiry commissioner offered Dunlop one last chance to testify before the inquiry on Monday, but he refused.

The former officer received a warm welcome when about 12 supporters, including his wife Helen, stood and applauded as he entered the packed courtroom in handcuffs.

Dunlop, who did not appear with a lawyer, has expressed frustration with the justice system since first refusing to testify last September.

On Wednesday, he told the court he has always told the truth about the scandal, but it has come to consume his life. He also added that his three teenage daughters want to spend more time with him.

The former officer blew the whistle in the 1990s on allegations that prominent community members, including Roman Catholic clergy, were sexually abusing dozens of children in incidents dating back to the 1950s.

Only one person was ever convicted of sexual abuse, and no evidence of an organized ring was found. The inquiry, which began in February 2006, is looking into how authorities dealt with the issue.

The prosecution lawyers blasted Dunlop on Wednesday for his repeated refusal to testify, arguing there is no legal reason for him not to answer questions.

"The alleged victims have testified. Mr. Dunlop — the self-described hard-nosed cop and whistleblower — has not," said Brian Gover, a lawyer for the inquiry commissioner.

The lawyers argued that his blatant disregard for the inquiry not only diminishes public confidence in Cornwall but in all such reviews.

If convicted of criminal contempt of court, Dunlop could face six months behind bars.