R. Greenway

The accused, a restaurant owner, picked up a 19-year-old prospective employee for a job interview and drove her to his motel room.

He provided her with alcohol and engaged in a series of progressively invasive, unwanted sexual advances, including touching her stomach, unzipping her pants, and kissing her.

The court rejected the accused's exculpatory statements, found the complainant's evidence credible and reliable, and convicted the accused of sexual assault.

The accused, a youthful first offender and heroin addict, pleaded guilty to trafficking in a substance held out to be heroin.

He purchased what he believed was heroin for a friend who was experiencing withdrawal.

Unbeknownst to both, the substance was fentanyl, and the friend died of a fatal overdose.

The Crown sought a 4-year penitentiary sentence, while the defence sought 13 months.

The court found exceptional circumstances, noting the accused was not a commercial drug dealer, had no knowledge the substance was fentanyl, and had made significant rehabilitative efforts.

The court imposed a sentence of 18 months' custody followed by 3 years' probation.