A British man will spend three years in jail following conviction for sexual assault in Penticton court. The case was heard on Oct. 4, 2019.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

A British citizen who sexually assaulted a South Okanagan woman after the relationship ended was recently sentenced to three years in jail in Penticton court.

A publication ban on the Oct. 4 hearing, which was released today, protects the identity of the victim in the incident. His identity was also not disclosed.

The victim met the accused, “G.R." several years ago while playing video games online. They later decided to date.

G.R. was living in England at the time while the victim lived in her father’s house in a small community near Penticton. The long distance relationship, which included visits back and forth between London and Penticton, lasted around three years.

The victim chose to end the relationship in the summer of 2018, but G.R. refused to accept the fact the relationship was over.

He travelled to Penticton in August, 2018 to see the victim, who had a new boyfriend now and continued to insist the relationship was over.

G.R. was given permission by the victim’s father to stay in his house, resulting in the victim moving in with her new boyfriend rather than share her father’s house with G.R. while he remained in Penticton.

On the morning of Sept. 4, 2018, the victim stopped at her father’s house to do laundry and pick up clothing when she was accosted by G.R., who sexually assaulted her. 

Following the assault, she fled the house, with G.R. following. She eventually received some assistance from a passer-by who took her to the police station, with G.R. still in pursuit.

Judge Karen Horsman noted in her ruling G.R. had no prior criminal convictions, and had been living in the family home while in England, working as a city bus driver and assisting his parents with their medical problems.

Letters of support to the court described G.R. as a hard working employee and a kind and generous person.

While addressing court, G.R. apologized for the impact his actions had on the victim. He stated that he loved the victim very much, but did not believe he was taking advantage of her trust.

Crown Prosecutor Nashina Devji asked the court for a jail term of four years, citing the pre-existing relationship of trust that was breached, and the impact it had on the victim.

Devji said the range of sentencing for sexual assault involving intercourse in British Columbia is two to six years.

Defence lawyer Michael Patterson asked court for a federal sentence of two years plus one day, noting his client’s lack of criminal record, no previous history of violence and the positive letters of support G.R. had received.

Judge Horsman called the facts of the case “difficult and troubling,” noting G.R. was a high-functioning individual who was responsible and respectful to others prior to the incident.

She said it appeared G.R. had a future to look forward to following his jail term, but also noted G.R. had demonstrated a limited expression of remorse over the incident.

She sentenced G.R. to a three year jail term. He faces deportation, a 10 year firearms ban, registry as a sex offender and is not to communicate with the victim.

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News from © iNFOnews, 2019