GORE BAY— A man from Greater Sudbury has been found guilty of two counts of sexual interference.
The events occurred at a family camp on Barrie Island in June 2020, and relate to a then 14-year-old girl. The man was 40 years old at the time of the offence. The assault was not reported to police by the victim but approximately one year after the assault occurred, she did tell a counsellor who in turn informed the Children’s Aid Service (CAS). CAS reached out to Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS), which began an investigation. Following the investigation by GSPS, the matter was then referred to UCCM Anishinaabe Police Service.
The court heard details, which are under a publication ban to prevent identification of the victim, over a two-day trial in Gore Bay presided over by Justice Jessica Wolfe. In her decision, Justice Wolfe said she found the victim’s evidence to be credible and believable.
The perpetrator was charged with two counts of sexual assault, contrary to Section 271 of the Criminal Code and two counts of sexual interference, contrary to Section 151 of the Criminal Code, with the Crown proceeding by indictment. The charges under Section 271 were conditionally stayed and sentencing will proceed on the more serious charges under Section 151.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June at Gore Bay. The name of the individual found guilty was withheld by The Expositor to protect the identity of the victim.
