63 year old accused with no record pleaded guilty to invitation to sexual touching (152 CC) in relation to his 11 year old granddaughter. Approximately 20 incidents over a 15 month period, including offering the victim money to watch him masturbate, to touch his penis or to perform oral sex.
Held: 18 months jail and 18 months probation.
Although the guilty plea was not to sexual interference, the conclusions set out in Hajar, 2016 ABCA 222 regarding the psychological harm, fear and defilement caused by these types of acts were applicable. Accused’s degree of moral responsibility was high, and the breach of trust constituted the primary aggravating factor.
M. Scrase – Defence Counsel