The Indigenous offender pleaded guilty to sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching of his nine-year-old step-niece, who lived in his care.
The offences involved grooming, manipulation, and digital penetration, causing profound and ongoing psychological harm to the child.
The court weighed the severe aggravating factors against significant Gladue factors, including intergenerational trauma, FASD, and a history of abuse, as well as the offender's lack of a criminal record and guilty plea.
The court imposed a sentence of two years' imprisonment in addition to time served, followed by two years' probation, along with mandatory ancillary orders including a weapons prohibition with an exception for sustenance hunting.
