Craigslist child sex abuse case put over to Dec. 21

Sonya Lucas to be sentenced for her role

A 49-yearold woman who filmed a seven-year-old girl being sexually assaulted in a Hamilton basement is hoping for atonement.

“I am motivated to change all aspects of my life that led me to here,” Sonya Lucas said from the prisoner’s box during her sentencing hearing at John Sopinka Courthouse Monday.

“I know I am not a monster and I believe I am worth saving,” she added through sobs.

Lucas has admitted to her role in the sexual assault of the girl who was offered up to prospective predators on Craigslist.

Three others have already been sentenced for the scheme in which the child was sexually abused from June 2015 to April 2016.

The former boyfriend of the girl’s mother orchestrated the abuse in her Hamilton home.

In June, Lucas pleaded guilty to sexual interference, possessing child pornography and making child pornography.

On Monday, defence lawyer Harald Mattson said his client was at the girl’s home only one night among many during which she was assaulted.

Mattson also argued Lucas, who was paid $100 for her part, wasn’t in a position of authority. “We’re not dealing with Karla Homolka here.”

He also said Lucas, a Kitchener sex worker, didn’t know a child would be involved when she travelled to Hamilton with Rui DaSilva, 38, on April 27, 2016.

But assistant Crown attorney Janet Booy argued Lucas didn’t stop filming once she realized the victim was a little girl. Moreover, she added, Lucas took “zero steps” to protect the child from future sexual assaults.

In a victim impact statement, the girl’s aunt wrote, “There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of the horrific things that have happened to my niece.”

Lucas became a convicted sex offender for a case involving minors in 2004.

She was sentenced to two years of house arrest.

Mattson said his client has struggled with alcohol to cope with childhood abuse.

He also cited her Gladue report, a measure that recognizes the unique circumstances of Indigenous offenders.

Mattson has asked for a sentence of five to six years; Booy has argued for something closer to 10 years.

Justice Tony Leitch said he needed more time to decide, reserving Dec. 21 for sentencing.

DaSilva, who admitted to travelling twice from Waterloo to sexually assault the girl, was sentenced to eight years in prison.

John Gallagher, 50, of Hamilton, was sentenced to three years and seven months for possessing and making child pornography.

The 35-year-old ex-partner — a Hamilton man who can’t be named due to the publication ban — has pleaded guilty to sexual interference, making child pornography and possessing child pornography. His case resumes Jan. 26. The victim’s mother, who can’t be named either, was charged with failing to provide the necessities of life but the charge was stayed.

The girl now lives with her biological father and has undergone some counselling.

Outside, her aunt said she talks to her every day.

“She’s getting along.”