Christophe Preobrazenski

The defendant, Vashindra Thakoordeen, was found guilty of sexual assault contrary to s. 271 of the Criminal Code.

The court considered numerous aggravating factors, including the victim's heightened vulnerability due to intoxication, the assault being committed in concert with another person, dragging and confinement, gratuitous violence, occurrence in a secluded area, the defendant's leading role, internal digital penetration, and significant victim impact.

Mitigating factors included no prior relevant criminal record, positive family support, positive work history, and relative youth.

The court also considered the co-accused's sentence for parity.

The defendant was sentenced to 2 years' incarceration, along with ancillary orders for DNA, communication prohibition, Sex Offenders Information Registration for 20 years, and a 10-year weapons prohibition.

The accused was charged with sexual assault.

The complainant alleged sexual assault by the accused and a co-accused in a parking lot, supported by the co-accused's testimony, video surveillance, and taxi drivers' accounts.

The accused denied the assault, claiming he only assisted the co-accused.

The court found the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, rejecting his denial and accepting the complainant's and co-accused's evidence, corroborated by video and other circumstantial evidence.

The accused pleaded guilty to two counts of procuring under s.212(1), one count of uttering a threat to cause death under s.264.1(1), and one count of failing to comply with a recognizance under s.145(3).

The accused lured two young women into working as dancers at strip clubs and encouraged them to engage in prostitution, taking all their earnings.

He also made violent threats against a former partner.

The Crown sought one year additional jail time, while the defence sought time served or a short intermittent sentence.

The court imposed a suspended sentence with three years probation, citing the accused's extended pre-trial custody and house arrest, his demonstrated rehabilitation while on strict release, and his stable employment and family relationships.