An Ontario man who told his adopted daughter that 'the devil made him do it' has been sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually abusing her and a family friend. The 68-year-old man, identified only by initials in a recent Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision, was convicted of multiple sexual offenses against the two victims.
Abuse of adopted daughter
The abuse of the man's adopted daughter began when she was nine years old and continued until she was 13. On New Year's Eve when she was 13, the abuser told her that 'the devil made him do it' and that he had asked God for forgiveness. However, the abuse resumed shortly after. The victim eventually told her older brother, leading to family involvement and police contact.
In her victim impact statement, the young woman described how her childhood was stolen from her. She experienced shame, anger, self-blame, numbness, anxiety, depression, betrayal, confusion, and suicidal thoughts. Instead of learning what healthy love is, she associated love with fear, secrecy, and silence. The abuse changed the way she understands trust and her ability to feel safe.
Abuse of family friend
The man also abused a family friend, starting when she was seven or eight years old, between 2017 and 2021. The court heard that on many occasions, when greeting her at his house, he would hug her and kiss her with an open mouth, forcing his tongue into her mouth. If she tried to keep her mouth shut, he would push through. He also touched her buttock and groped it.
The man's wife had helped the family of the second victim find a place to live when they immigrated to Canada. The abuser was described as 'like a grandfather' to the girl, and she addressed him as such. The judge noted that he was in the position of father to one victim and grandfather to the other and took advantage of his time alone with them when they were in his care.
Judge's remarks
Justice Jocelyn Speyer wrote in the May 22 decision that the man breached his duty to protect and care for the victims, which enhanced his moral blameworthiness. The abuser immigrated to Canada in 2002 with his wife and three children, became a Canadian citizen, and adopted several Zimbabwean and Botswanan orphans, including the one he sexually abused.
The court emphasized the egregious violation of the victims' sexual integrity and the long-lasting harm caused by the abuse. The nine-year sentence reflects the severity of the offenses and the breach of trust involved.
