The accused, a 21-year-old first offender, was found guilty of sexual assault against a 15-year-old victim whom he met online.
The Crown sought 24 to 30 months in custody, while the defence sought a conditional sentence.
Applying the principles from Friesen, the court emphasized denunciation and deterrence for sexual offences against children, finding a conditional sentence inappropriate despite the accused's mitigating circumstances, including a difficult upbringing and lack of a criminal record.
The accused was sentenced to 18 months in custody followed by 18 months of probation, along with ancillary orders.
