Man, 70, is given probation for sexually assaulting girl

A 70-year-old man received an 18-month probational term in territorial court Monday after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.

A 70-year-old man received an 18-month probational term in territorial court Monday after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.

Jeffrey Williams must not have any contact with the victim, attend her residence or school, nor have any contact with girls under the age of 12 under the conditions of the probational sentence.

Williams was charged following an incident that occurred on June 6, 2007, when he fondled and French-kissed the 10-year-old girl, court heard.

Judge Heino Lilles said in his decision that although Williams behaved in “a grossly inappropriate manner,“ the incident was “a one-time opportunistic incident.“

This was Williams’ first-ever court appearance.

The victim’s mother made a statement at the sentencing.

“(The victim) has an extreme amount of embarrassment. She has to deal with this for the rest of her life,“ the woman said tearfully.

“A French kiss will never be normal or healthy for her. He’s taken something that could be beautiful and innocent away from her.

“(The victim) is scared of everything. She’s changed. She always tells me how dirty she feels. She’s afraid of men.“

Crown counsel Melissa Atkinson had asked for a three- to four-month custodial sentence, followed by one year’s probation. She added the jail sentence could be served conditionally.

Defence counsel Gord Coffin agreed that Williams could serve his sentence conditionally.

Lilles noted that there has been some “minimization” and “victim-blaming” on Williams’ part.

“It’s important to send a message to the community that this kind of behaviour is not to be condoned and is not appropriate.“

Lilles also imposed a DNA order.

Williams will be included on a national sex offender registry for the next 10 years.