The offender was convicted of sexually abusing his stepdaughter between the ages of four and twelve.
The Crown sought a seven-year penitentiary sentence, while the defence sought a conditional sentence or reformatory term, citing the offender's mental health issues, lack of criminal record, and the historical nature of the offences.
Applying the principles from R. v. Friesen, the court emphasized denunciation and deterrence for sexual offences against children.
The court sentenced the offender to five years' imprisonment, balancing the profound harm caused to the victim against the offender's mental illness and rehabilitative efforts.
