Sexual assault
R. v. Sorensen
Sentence and the Crown's position
What the law allows
A jury found Darren Sorensen guilty of two counts of sexual assault for two incidents in which he sexually assaulted an intoxicated complainant in her White Rock home. The Crown sought three to four years; the defence sought a conditional sentence of two years less a day followed by three years of probation. Justice Greenwood imposed concurrent sentences of three years, finding his moral blameworthiness high and that deterrence and denunciation required a penitentiary term.
In the judge's words
1In my view, Mr. Sorensen's moral blameworthiness for the offence and his degree of responsibility is high. Mr. Sorensen is a high‑functioning individual with no unique background factors that would diminish the moral blameworthiness associated with the offence. In my view, given the circumstances of these offences, the principles of deterrence and denunciation take on paramount importance, and a penitentiary sentence is required.
The record
- Convicted of
- Sexual assault (CC 271, 2 counts)
- Prior convictions
- 0 prior convictions1
- At the time of the offence
- Not stated1
- Defence asked for
- 2 years less a day conditional sentence1
- Appeal
- Not yet checked
- Counsel
- Crown: A.J. Bonfield
Defence: J. Sawani, J. Chadi
Sources
- R. v. Sorensen, 2025 BCSC 1614 Court decision, CanLII, July 30, 2025
[3] The Crown submits that a sentence in the range of three to four years would be appropriate
[4] The defence submits that a sentence of imprisonment for two years less a day to be served conditionally, followed by three years of probation, is an appropriate sentence.
[1] THE COURT: On February 1, 2025, a jury found Mr. Sorensen guilty of two counts of sexually assaulting J.H. contrary to s. 271 of the Criminal Code.
[21] As I have indicated, Mr. Sorensen is 60 years old. He has lived a productive life and has no criminal record.
[87] In my view, Mr. Sorensen's moral blameworthiness for the offence and his degree of responsibility is high. Mr. Sorensen is a high‑functioning individual with no unique background factors that would diminish the moral blameworthiness associated with the offence. In my view, given the circumstances of these offences, the principles of deterrence and denunciation take on paramount importance, and a penitentiary sentence is required.
[90] For the offence of sexual assault on Count 1, I sentence you to three years of imprisonment. For the offence of sexual assault on Count 2, I sentence you to three years of imprisonment. Both sentences shall run concurrently.
- Criminal Code, s. 271 Record, Justice Laws Website
- R. v. Sorensen, 2025 BCSC 1614 Court decision, Courts of British Columbia