Sentencing date set on sex offence

A Cape Breton singer/songwriter will be sentenced May 11 after pleading guilty to a sex offence involving a person under the age of 16.

Johnathan Stephen MacInnis, 22, of Northside East Bay, pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual interference that is alleged to have occurred between August and November 2016 in Sydney. Two other charges of sexual assault and invitation to sexual touching were withdrawn.

At the time of the offence, the male victim was between the ages of 14 and 15. The name or any information that could lead to the identity of the victim is banned from publication.

In presenting an agreed statement of facts during a provincial court hearing Wednesday, prosecutor Mark Gouthro said MacInnis admitted to performing oral sex on the teen on two occasions — once in the office used by MacInnis and a second time at his home.

He said MacInnis and the teen knew each other and that MacInnis has visited the teen’s home on several occasions.

The case was brought to the attention of police after what was deemed as inappropriate messages on Facebook were viewed by two other people. The messages concerned sexual acts already committed by MacInnis and the young boy.

When first questioned by police, the teen was reluctant to disclose any information, said Gouthro.

He later admitted that MacInnis had fondled him on several occasions and that he had touched his penis.

MacInnis admitted to police that he had engaged in oral sex with the teen.

The Crown is seeking a one-year jail sentence along with a 10-year order registering MacInnis as a sexual offender. The Crown is also seeking an 18-month probation period.

Defence lawyer Robert Sampson requested the court impose a 90day jail sentence.

MacInnis apologized Wednesday to the victim, his family and friends along with his own family saying he takes full responsibility and vowing it will never happen again.