The accused, R.H., was found guilty of sexual interference with his four-year-old step-granddaughter.
The Crown sought a two-year jail sentence, while the defence argued for a conditional sentence.
Despite initially denying guilt, R.H. accepted responsibility at the sentencing hearing.
The court applied the principles from R. v. Friesen, emphasizing the need for increased sentences for child sexual offences, the profound psychological and emotional harm caused, and the aggravating factors of a position of trust and the victim's young age.
Mitigating factors included no prior criminal record, employment, and family support, though the belated acknowledgment of guilt was attenuated.
The court rejected a conditional sentence, imposing a sentence of two years less a day in jail, followed by three years probation, and various ancillary orders, finding the case slightly more aggravating than R. v. J.T. due to the family relationship.