Sex offender granted parole

A Kamloops man who was sent to federal prison for a series of “predatory” sexual offences targeting his stepdaughter and two young nieces has been granted day parole.

The 45-year-old man was sentenced in June of 2023 to five years in prison on three counts of sexual interference of a person under 16. He cannot be named under a court-ordered publication ban put in place to protect the identities of the victims.

Court heard the offences, described as sexual touching, took place in Kamloops between 2012 and 2016. The incidents were reported to social workers in 2020 and the man was charged in 2022.

The sentencing judge called the man’s actions “predatory."

“These are egregious offences against young girls,” Kamloops provincial court Judge Stella Frame said during sentencing.

“[He] was in a position of trust and violated that trust entirely.”

The man took responsibility for his actions and participated in reconciliation efforts including healing circles before going to prison.

He applied for full parole and day parole. In a decision dated Wednesday, the Parole Board of Canada denied his application for full parole but granted him day parole.

“The board finds you need to demonstrate your ability to abide by conditions in the community and this can be best achieved through supervision, structure and support provided by first residing at a [half-way house] on day parole,” the decision reads.

The man became eligible for day parole in August, and he will be eligible for full parole starting in February.