Sexual interference
R. v. R.T.
A publication ban applies. The offender is not named.
- Below the Crown's ask
Sentence and the Crown's position
What the law allows
The offender was convicted by a jury of sexual interference with a child; a sexual assault conviction on the same facts was conditionally stayed. The Crown sought four-and-a-half years of imprisonment and the defence two years. Justice Hoffman imposed two years in a penitentiary followed by three years of probation, citing Indigenous sentencing considerations, the offender's lack of a prior record and his serious health conditions.
In the judge's words
1Having considered R.T.' personal circumstances, the Indigenous sentencing factors, his significant health challenges, and the aggravating features of the offence, including the victim's vulnerability and R.T.' position of trust as well as the harm caused to the victim, I am satisfied that a custodial sentence is required. Balancing all factors, I conclude that a sentence of two years is fit.
The record
- Convicted of
- Sexual interference (CC 151)
- Prior convictions
- 0 prior convictions1
- At the time of the offence
- Not stated1
- Defence asked for
- 2 years in custody1
- Appeal
- Not yet checked
- Counsel
- Crown: S. Thomson
Defence: P.R. Derksen
Sources
- R. v. R.T., 2026 BCSC 1767 Court decision, CanLII, August 7, 2026
[3] The Crown takes the position that an appropriate sentence for the s. 151 conviction considering the relevant sentencing principles and relevant caselaw is four-and-a-half years of imprisonment.
[3] … The defence takes the position that a sentence of two years is fit.
[12] … R.T. has no previous criminal record and has never been the subject of any protection order.
[30] … Having considered R.T.' personal circumstances, the Indigenous sentencing factors, his significant health challenges, and the aggravating features of the offence, including the victim's vulnerability and R.T.' position of trust as well as the harm caused to the victim, I am satisfied that a custodial sentence is required. Balancing all factors, I conclude that a sentence of two years is fit.
[33] I sentence you to a two-year sentence to be served in the penitentiary. … [59] THE COURT: Okay. I am going to make a three-year probation order with the following terms.
- R. v. R.T., 2026 BCSC 1767 Court decision, Courts of British Columbia