2012-03-19
Byron Sonne
The trial of a Forest Hill computer consultant charged with plotting to attack the Toronto G20 summit resumed Monday after a months-long hiatus.
Byron Sonne, who stands charged with possessing explosive substances and counselling the commission of mischief not committed, was arrested in the lead-up to the 2010 world leaders’ summit.
On Monday, the court heard from Detective Constable David Ouellette, a Toronto police officer seconded to the RCMP’s integrated national security enforcement team. Det. Const. Ouellette described a number of materials found on Mr. Sonne’s computer after his arrest, including a torrent file showing the accused had uploaded a document called Security Culture: A Handbook for Activists.
“It’s basically a training manual for activists that look to lash out against government or the system itself,” Det. Const. Ouellette testified.
The court had previously heard that investigators discovered a cache of chemicals in Mr. Sonne’s basement, but the accused has contended he used these for his hobbies, such as amateur rocketry. Mr. Sonne also posted online in the days leading to the summit about how to subvert security measures, but supporters have labeled this as an academic exercise, noting the accused did not intend to harm anyone.
Mr. Sonne’s wife, Kristen Peterson, was also arrested in the case but charges against her were later dropped. The couple’s marriage has since fallen apart.