Jail time ordered in sexual touching case

A Bible Hill man has been given a 90-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of sexually touching a person under age 16.

Robert Stewart Crouse, 49, of Andy’s Avenue, is to serve his time intermittently, from 7 p.m. on Fridays until 6 a.m. on Mondays.

He was also sentenced to three years’ probation and is prohibited from having contact with any female under 16 and not allowed to be within 500 metres of a public playground or other setting where individuals under 16 may be present.

Crouse is further banned from using the Internet or other digital networks unless it is a smart phone or similar device provided by his employer for purposes related to his employment. He must also adhere to a daily curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., must take counselling for alcohol consumption and mental health issues, including the sexual offender assessment and treatment program.

Other conditions include not possessing alcohol or illicit drugs, not entering establishments where alcohol is a primary source of business, providing a DNA sample and having his name added to the sexual offender information registry.

Crouse was also issued a victim surcharge fine of $200 and is banned from possessing firearms or other weapons.

Two counts of sexual assault were dismissed.