Dad faces jail on sex offences involving daughter

A Niagara man who claims his 14-year-old daughter would “nag” him for sexual interaction is still awaiting sentencing.

At a sentencing hearing in Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on Friday, court heard the defendant claimed his daughter would “nag” him for sexual contact and was

“drinking and being erotic.”

Assistant Crown attorney Todd Morris said the man’s version of events was an attempt at “displacing the blame.”

“Even if it was true … she’s underage and she’s your daughter,” he said.

The defendant, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of the victim, pleaded guilty at an earlier date to charges of incest and sexual interference.

The victim had reported to police her biological father started molesting her when she was eight. Her father maintained it began when the child was 12.

The Crown is seeking a sevenyear penitentiary sentence, while the defence has advocated for a five-year term.

Lawyer V.J. Singh said his client has been undergoing therapy and has “taken ownership of his negative conduct.”

“He wants to do all the right things,” Singh told the judge. “He wants to make amends.”

The offender submitted a letter of apology in which he accepted full responsibility for his actions and said he deeply regrets what happened.

Court was told the defendant fears returning to jail.

During his time in jail following his arrest, he was attacked by other inmates, suffering a concussion and a significant laceration above his eye.

He will return to court in February for sentencing.