A dominatrix has been found guilty of running a bawdy house in Newmarket, Ontario. Terri-Jean Bedford's two-week trial this summer focused on the critical issue of whether sado-masochistic acts constitute sex.
Bedford, who called herself Madame de Sade, has never denied that she fulfilled her customers sado-masochistic desires. But she insisted repeatedly that no sex took place under her roof and described it as "erotic theatre."
The judge decided that sex for money was taking place. He ruled that no other common-sense conclusion could be drawn.
The long-awaited ruling against Bedford could throw the legal future of for-profit sado-masochism into question.
Bedford will be sentenced October 16. She faces a maximum of two years in prison.
Share Tools
Big Box Advertisement
Top News Headlines
- Senator Pamela Wallin leaves Conservative caucus
- Senator Pamela Wallin says she is recusing herself from the Conservative caucus while her travel expense claims are under scrutiny. Wallin's departure comes one day after Senator Mike Duffy left the Tory caucus amid controversy over his expense claims. more »
- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford denies crack cocaine allegations
- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says allegations he was caught on tape smoking crack are "ridiculous," following reports that someone had been trying to sell a purported recording of such an event to U.S. and Canadian media outlets. more »
- Sailor fighting cancer says AWOL charges dropped
- All charges against a Nova Scotia woman in the Royal Canadian Navy who is fighting cancer, and who was charged with being absent without leave and facing a court martial have been dropped, the woman and her lawyer say. more »
- Tim Bosma public memorial Wednesday in Hamilton, Ont.
- As plans to honour Tim Bosma take shape for next week in Hamilton, Ont., CBC News has learned the man accused in his slaying purchased a Toronto condo less than 24 hours after Bosma went missing. more »
- Eurovision Song Contest celebrates pop excess
- Techno beats, over-the-top stage antics and pop stars of the past return to the spotlight in Stockholm this weekend as the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest ramps up to its showy finale. more »
Must Watch
- Senator Pamela Wallin leaves Conservative caucus
- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford denies crack cocaine allegations
- Tim Bosma public memorial Wednesday in Hamilton, Ont.
- Dennis Oland named as prime suspect in father's slaying
- Public raising funds to buy alleged Rob Ford crack video
- 2 earthquakes felt in Ontario and Quebec
- Sailor fighting cancer says AWOL charges dropped
- Milwaukee bar wins overturn of bra ban
- Transgender teen finds strength in hockey
