The accused, J.S.M., was found guilty after a trial of sexual assault, sexual interference, and invitation to sexual touching against his step-daughter, S.G., who was between 9 and 13 years old at the time.
The abuse was regular, occurred over four years, involved various sexual acts, and was often in exchange for money, exploiting a significant breach of trust within the family home.
The Crown sought a 9-year sentence, while the defence proposed 5 years, considering harsh pre-sentence custody conditions.
The court imposed an 8-year sentence for sexual interference, with the invitation to sexual touching count running concurrently, and the sexual assault count stayed under Kienapple principles.
The judgment emphasized denunciation and deterrence as primary sentencing objectives for child sexual violence, consistent with Supreme Court guidance in Friesen and Woodward.
Ancillary orders included lifetime Sex Offender Registry registration, a 10-year weapons prohibition, a DNA order, and a no-contact order.