I KNEW there was a reason I hated these ads so much!
Ad lad booked for child porn(the Ottawa Sun)
Actor played Scot for Keith's ale
By SAM PAZZANO
A Toronto actor who portrays the fanatical Scot in Alexander Keith's beer commercials was charged yesterday with child pornography offences.
Robert Norman Smith, 40, was ordered released on $25,000 bail under stringent conditions by Justice of the Peace Karin Dresher.
Smith, the father of two young children, will be back in Ontario Court of Justice today.
A publication ban was imposed on yesterday's proceedings.
Police allege Smith's computer contained more than 200 images of graphic sex involving children as young as 12 months old. Police allege he possessed child pornography between Sept. 27 and Nov. 9 and also on Valentine's Day this year, and made pornography available last fall.
There is no allegation that he tried to contact children.
Smith, who has no prior criminal record, was freed on a consent-bail, meaning both the Crown and defence agreed to his release. But Smith is prohibited from leaving Ontario, accessing the Internet or any computerized device that stores images or attending alone any public area frequented by minors. He will live with his sister and must have his wife's written permission to visit her house.
Smith's zealous character has become synonymous with the Keith's brand, brewed by Labatt. He is best known for such comic lines as "Who's with me?" as he tries to galvanize other bar patrons to rebel when a tap runs dry.
Labatt said it would terminate its relationship with Smith.
"We are surprised to learn of these charges today," the company said in a statement. "Clearly, we have decided not to run any future television commercials featuring this actor until this information is confirmed."
Smith also has several movies to his credit. He appeared in Cinderella Man, Pushing Tin, Resurrection and others.
A police source told the Sun last night Smith's arrest is connected to an international investigation.