A Canadian man accused of possessing child pornography after he ordered a child-sized sex doll from Japan has claimed he bought it as a replacement for his son, who died as infant more than 20 years ago.
Kenneth Harrisson, 54, appeared in court in the Newfoundland city of St John’s on Monday to face charges of possessing child pornography, mailing obscene matter, and two further charges related to the smuggling and possession of prohibited goods.
Mr Harrisson bought “Carol” from a Japanese website offering a range of childlike sex dolls in 2013, but chose one with a “male face” so it could approximate his son, according to Canadian media reports.
“The purpose I intended it for was to replace my deceased son, period,” Mr Harrisson reportedly told the court. He previously said in a statement to CBC: "I do not condone child abuse in any way, shape or form. Any child abuse should be reported immediately to the proper authorities."
The child-sized sex doll was intercepted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before it reached the 54-year-old’s home because the manufacturer was on a watchlist.
Mr Harrisson’s case has raised legal questions about what should and should not be considered child pornography.
Canadian law defines child pornography as “a photographic, film, video or other visual representation, whether or not it was made by electronic or mechanical means” that shows someone who is, or is depicted as, under the age of 18 engaged in sexual activity.
The doll Mr Harrisson bought online in 2013 was depicted kneeling in a sexual position, but the defendant denied that was a motivation for his purchase. It was reportedly never assembled or removed from its box.
Dr Peter Collins, a forensic psychologist, provided testimony at an earlier hearing. He said “Carol” was the size of a prepubescent child, around 4ft tall, and claimed such dolls did meet the criteria of child pornography.
The trial continued on Monday after it was unexpectedly adjourned on Friday when Mr Harrisson fainted in court, according to local media reports.
Closing submissions were due to be heard later on Tuesday.
