Child porn suspect lives near school

Canwest News Service
Published: Thursday, January 17, 2008

VICTORIA - The Victoria-area man charged with possessing child pornography as part of an international sting operation, lives in an apartment that overlooks the bustling playgrounds of a school.

Kenneth Dale Ballendine rents a top-floor suite in a building in Esquimalt, B.C.

The view from one of his windows looks directly at the school grounds of Ecole Victor-Brodeur, some 30 metres away, where more than 400 students attend kindergarten to Grade 12 in the francophone facility.

Ballendine remains free in the community on a promise to appear for future court dates. Despite living near the school, Victoria police said they believe Ballendine presents a low risk. "Investigators looked at this person carefully and we are comfortable with releasing him on conditions," said Const. Derek Tolmie.