Sexual abuse of teen lands P.E.I. man 4.5 years in prison
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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Sexually abusing a teenage lady over a interval of a number of months has resulted in a federal jail sentence for a P.E.I. man.
“This has had, and can proceed to have, a major influence on (the sufferer),” mentioned Justice Nancy Key at Sean Earle Durnnian’s sentencing on March 24 in P.E.I. Supreme Courtroom.
Key sentenced Durnnian, 25, to four-and-a-half years in jail. He was given 176 days, or simply below six months, credit score for time already served in custody.
A publication ban is in place stopping the discharge of knowledge that would establish the feminine sufferer.
Crown legal professional Lisa Goulden requested a sentence within the vary of three to 5 years whereas defence lawyer Brendan Hubley requested 15 months in jail for his shopper.
In accordance with an agreed assertion of info, the sexual abuse started on New Yr’s Eve in 2020 and led to late April 2021. The final tried incident occurred in Might 2021.
The lady mentioned in courtroom that she was afraid to inform anybody in regards to the sexual abuse. However someday in June 2021, she instructed her mom in regards to the incidents with Durnnian. Durnnian was identified to the sufferer on the time of the offences.
Durnnian initially pleaded not responsible to 4 sexual offences. A trial started on April 4 and the courtroom heard from a number of witnesses. Through the trial, Durnnian modified his place on April 7 and pleaded responsible to at least one rely of sexual interference for touching an individual below the age of 16 for a sexual objective together with his hand and penis. The remaining sexual assault expenses had been stayed by Goulden.
A sentencing listening to was scheduled for Sept. 14, however Durnnian did not present up. Durnnian fled to the Niagara area in Ontario and a Canada-wide arrest warrant was issued. Whereas in Ontario, Durnnian was arrested and charged with unlawfully being inside a girl’s residence. He was finally introduced again to P.E.I. on Nov. 1.
The lady alongside along with her household and supporters had been in courtroom for sentencing. They heard Key describe Durnnian as a “predator.”
Key additionally spoke to the sufferer’s mom.
“You could not proceed in charge your self. This isn’t your fault,” she mentioned.
Key then addressed the lady. Key recounted a passage in her emotional sufferer influence assertion beforehand learn in courtroom.
In that assertion, the lady mentioned that she is not going to let the phrase “sufferer” outline her.
“It’s going to at all times be part of my story, however that isn’t who I’m,” she mentioned.
The choose complimented the lady on her bravery through the courtroom course of.
“You’ll conquer all of this,” added Key. “You’re going to get via this and you’ll proceed to be a robust lady.”
Along with the time in jail, Durnnian was additionally positioned on the sexual offender info registry for 20 years.
Terrence McEachern is a justice reporter with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island. He might be reached by e-mail at [email protected] and might be adopted on Twitter @terry_mcn.
