P. Mergler

The accused were tried on multiple charges related to human trafficking, procuring, and sexual assault involving a young female complainant.

The court found the primary accused guilty of human trafficking, procuring, advertising sexual services, and receiving a material benefit, relying heavily on text messages that demonstrated a coercive quota system and exploitative control over the complainant's movements.

However, the court acquitted the primary accused of sexual assault, assault, and unlawful confinement due to reasonable doubt arising from credibility issues with both the complainant and the accused.

The co-accused was acquitted of all charges due to insufficient reliable evidence.

The accused, a first offender, pleaded guilty to offences involving violence and humiliation against women and children under his care.

The Crown and defence presented a joint submission for 18 months' custody followed by two years of probation.

The court accepted the joint submission, finding it was not contrary to the public interest and would not bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

The court noted the serious aggravating factors of the breach of trust, balanced against the mitigating factors of the guilty pleas and lack of prior record.