Guilty of touching child
by Chelsea Powrie · CastanetWARNING: This article contains information about sexual assault of a minor. Reader discretion is advised.
A former Summerland man has pleaded guilty to sexual assault of an underaged girl who was at the time his step-granddaughter.
In Penticton court on Monday, a 62-year-old man — whose name is shielded by a publication ban in order to protect his victim — admitted to sexually touching a 10-year-old girl in July 2023.
Court heard that the girl reported the disturbing incident, during which the man touched her in intimate areas, to her mother. Her mother subsequently spoke to police, leading to an arrest.
The man, who now lives and works in Kamloops, does not have a criminal record but has ongoing depression and an alcohol use disorder.
A doctor who provided a report on the man said he would be unlikely to reoffend.
The man said he was in a dark place when the incident occurred. He is now on medication for depression and is participating in group therapy.
A victim impact submitted to court from the mother of the child described extreme emotional harm and ongoing fallout to both the child and the family.
She reported that her child is now fearful of men who look similar to the man who abused her, and is displaying symptoms of anxiety.
The man will face sentencing at a later date.