Crown and defence attorneys within the case of a priest who sexually abused kids in Nunavut are collectively recommending he obtain a six-year sentence.
Eric Dejaeger, 77, pleaded guilty earlier this week to 6 counts of sexually abusing kids in Igloolik between 1978 and 1982 — a few of them as younger as 4.
Victims and supporters packed the benches behind the Crown attorneys Friday as sentencing submissions have been learn in court docket. Crown lawyer Emma Baasch went by way of every of the fees in opposition to Dejaeger, outlining the sentences related to each.
Victims had delivered affect statements on Thursday, detailing the abuse they endured as kids and the way it continues to have an effect on them. On Friday, Baasch stated “no sentence can erase the hurt.” Nevertheless, she stated that it “brings a darkish chapter to mild and hopefully to shut.”
Scott Cowan, Dejaeger’s defence lawyer, was a part of the joint sentencing submission. He pressured the significance of giving the victims an opportunity to talk in court docket.
“The victims had a voice,” he stated.
Each attorneys referenced Justice Robert Kilpatrick’s 2015 sentencing resolution, after a court docket discovered Dejaeger guilty of 32 counts of child sexual abuse throughout his time as a priest in Igloolik.
Justice Faiyaz Alibhai stated he expects to ship his resolution on sentencing subsequent Thursday.
For anybody who has been sexually assaulted, there may be assist obtainable by way of disaster traces and native assist providers through the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. In case you’re in instant hazard or worry to your security or that of others round you, please name 911.
In case you or somebody you recognize in Nunavut is struggling, the next assets could assist:
- Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Assist Line (obtainable 24 hours a day): 979-3333 in Iqaluit, or 1-800-265-3333
- Therapeutic by Speaking counselling program: 1-888-648-0070
- Authorities of Nunavut Worker/Household Help Program: 1-800-663-1142
- Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit (Embrace Life Council): 1-866-804-2782
- Hope for Wellness Assist Line: 1-855-242-3310
- Sufferer’s Companies: 1-866-456-5216
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