The accused, a youthful first-time offender, pleaded guilty to child luring, invitation to sexual touching, and possession of child sexual abuse material after engaging in a three-year online relationship with a 13-year-old victim.
The Crown sought a 4-year penitentiary sentence, while the defence argued for a reformatory sentence of two years less a day, citing the accused's mental health struggles and rehabilitative efforts.
The court emphasized denunciation and deterrence, finding the accused highly morally culpable for the prolonged grooming and exploitation.
The court imposed a global sentence of 4 years' imprisonment, along with ancillary orders including a 10-year section 161 order and a 20-year SOIRA order.
