A Canadian Naval Commander Fined for Using Military Computer to Surf Pornographic SitesA Canadian naval commander who used a military computer to surf pornographic sites was fined $135 Thursday.A court martial imposed the fine on Commodore Eric Lerhe, who was relieved of his command in June after he admitted inappropriate Internet use. Lerhe, 52, was charged under the National Defense Act with conduct that would prejudice good order and discipline. A military spokesman, Lt. Cmdr. Yves Vanier, announced the fine and said no decision has been made on whether Lerhe would regain his command. "The final authority to permanently remove a commander from his position rests with the chief of defense staff," Vanier said. Lerhe reported himself to his commander in February after a subordinate was charged with misuse of a military computer. The junior officer had been looking at an on-line version of the men's magazine Maxim. Concerned that he might have to preside in the sailor's case, Lerhe admitted using his military laptop computer while off duty to access "several Penthouse-like sites" using his personal account, according to a statement submitted by Lerhe. "I admitted this to ensure I would not be involved in the trial of my subordinate and to clear my conscience," he said in the statement. Lerhe was commander of operational warships at the military base at Esquimalt, British Columbia. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |