Grant MacKinnon

The offender was sentenced following convictions for three counts of sexual interference against a 14‑year‑old child who was a friend of the offender’s daughter.

The offences involved repeated sexual touching and vaginal intercourse over multiple incidents.

The court emphasized denunciation and deterrence as the paramount sentencing principles for sexual offences against children, particularly where the offender occupies a position of trust.

Considering the seriousness of the conduct, the victim impact statement, and the limited mitigating factors, the court determined the appropriate range to be five to six years’ imprisonment.

A global sentence of five years’ imprisonment was imposed along with DNA, firearms prohibition, and lifetime sex offender registry orders.

The accused was charged with multiple offences including sexual interference and sexual assault involving a complainant under the age of 16.

The defence challenged the complainant’s credibility and reliability and argued the police investigation was incomplete.

The court assessed inconsistencies in the complainant’s testimony and considered forensic DNA evidence linking the accused to semen found on the complainant’s underwear.

Applying the principles governing credibility assessments and the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the court found the complainant credible and accepted the expert DNA evidence as corroborative of key allegations.

The accused was convicted on all four counts.