Hay River man guilty of voyeurism, sexual assault sentenced to 28 months

WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it. 

A former case manager at the South Mackenzie Correctional Centre in Hay River, N.W.T., will serve two years and four months in prison for sex-related crimes.

Minute, 40, was found guilty of voyeurism and sexual assault by N.W.T. Supreme Court Justice Karin L.E. Taylor in August, but was acquitted of child luring.

He had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

There is no indication that the offences are connected with his work.

During the trial, the complainant, who was underage at the time and whose identity is protected by a publication ban, told the court that she had found Minute’s phone in the bathroom pointed at the shower with the camera application open.

Another time, Minute placed a camera under the crack of the bathroom door as the complainant was stepping out of the shower, the complainant said.

During the trial it was also revealed that while she was sleeping, Minute had pulled down the complainant's underwear and masturbated — an offence he confessed to his former girlfriend which ultimately led to his sexual assault conviction, the court heard.

In the sentencing decision for the charge of sexual assault, Justice Taylor told the court that multiple factors informed her final decision.

That included the age of the victim at the time of the offence, the degree of physical contact and the continued harm on the victim perpetrated by Minute’s actions.

“Any form of of sexual violence is harmful and should be reflected in the sentencing imposed,” she said.

Justice Taylor noted the offences were carried out in a place where the victim would have expected privacy, and that the violation of this privacy was and continues to be “very harmful to the victim.”

She noted that Minute did not have a prior criminal record, but said that the offences were repeated over a period of time, showing a pattern of victimizing behaviour. Because of this, his lack of criminal record didn't have a significant impact on her decision.

Victim impact statement read in court

A sentence hearing took place on Dec. 1.

The victim's mother was present for the sentence hearing and the decision on Monday. During the hearing, she read a victim impact statement to the court.

She said the crime had affected her relationship with her daughter and made her question her ability to keep her family safe.

The Crown submitted a recommended sentence length of four years while the defence submitted a sentence of two years less a day with 18 months probation to follow.

Justice Taylor gave Minute the opportunity to address the court that day.

“I can’t emphasize how sorry I am for the harm I caused,” Minute said.

Minute has been in custody since Dec. 1, meaning he has 27 months and seven days left on his sentence.

He will be subject to a DNA order and a 10-year firearms prohibition. He will be on Canada's sex offenders registry for 20 years.

Justice Taylor indicated that he must not have any communication with the complainant while serving out his sentence.

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.