East Bay man sentenced to probation for sex offence

Charged after communicating online with 14-year-old girl

A 24-year-old East Bay man received a suspended sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to a single count of invitation to sexual interference involving a person under the age of 16.

Martin Hugh MacLellan, of East Bay Highway, committed the offence in March 2016.

In passing sentence, Supreme Court Justice Patrick Murray ordered that MacLellan complete a two-year probation period that includes conditions he have no contact with the victim and that he take all counselling as recommended by his probation officer.

He is also to stay away from elementary, junior or middle school grounds and he is to have no communication with any female under 16 via email or social media. MacLellan was also ordered to submit a DNA sample to the national registry.

In addition, MacLellan is to be registered as a sex offender for 20 years.

He is also to stay away from pools, parks and other locations where children are likely to gather for five years.

MacLellan was charged after communicating online with a 14-year-old girl. He was 21 at the time.

The court was told he picked up the girl on two occasions and the pair went for drives. During the second drive, MacLellan suggested the girl perform oral sex on him to which she declined.

The matter came to light when the girl’s mother posted an unflattering comment about MacLellan, who asked the daughter to take it down.

During a written exchange, MacLellan admitted the girl declined his suggestion she perform oral sex. The written comments were turned over to police.

The Crown had recommended a two-year jail sentence followed by probation while the defence recommended a suspended sentence followed by a two-year probation period.

“I cannot stress enough to you the importance of following the probation order,” the judge said to MacLellan.

“I will not let you down,” replied MacLellan.