CANADIAN LAW

5. You are the judge presiding at this sentencing. The Crown and defence say they have resolved a case with a guilty plea and a joint submission. The offender pleads guilty before you to sexual interference contrary to section 151 of the Criminal Code. The Crown prosecutor reads in facts that indicate that, over a period of 6 months, the adult offender committed a number of sexual acts upon the victim, who was aged 14 at the time. Defence counsel then tells the court that the offender admits committing some of the acts, but not all of them, and says they only occurred during a period of 2 weeks. The Crown maintains its position about the 6 month duration of the conduct and asks you to find that this longer duration occurred. The Crown also says it is agreeing to a joint submission of a 9 month conditional sentence, plus probation, because the offender has problems with addictions and mental health, so the paramount issue is rehabilitation and a conditional sentence is the best way to provide rehabilitation. As the presiding judge, identify any concerns you may have about what is being proposed.