Sarnia Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Sexual Interference
A 42-year-old man from Sarnia, Dale Ferguson, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual interference, a conviction he is currently appealing.
Charges and Trial
Ferguson faced two counts each of sexual assault, sexual interference, and invitation to sexual touching related to one underage complainant, whose identity remains protected by a publication ban. Following a multi-day trial held in Sarnia in November and January, Justice Ronald Minard delivered his verdict earlier this year.
Verdict Details
- Guilty on both counts of sexual assault and sexual interference
- Not guilty on two counts of invitation to sexual touching
Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
At a recent hearing, Ferguson received an eight-year sentence for the two counts of sexual interference. The sexual assault charges were stayed to avoid double punishment for the same acts.
The sentence was recommended by both Nila Mulpuru, acting Crown attorney for Lambton, and defense lawyer James Guggisberg.
Guggisberg stated, "Ferguson disagrees with the decision that you have arrived at, but he respects it nonetheless."
Ferguson plans to appeal the ruling. During sentencing, as Justice Minard ordered Ferguson into custody, Guggisberg informed the court that paperwork had been filed seeking bail pending the appeal.
Author’s summary: Dale Ferguson of Sarnia was sentenced to eight years for sexual interference, but he is appealing the decision while facing a stay on sexual assault charges to avoid double punishment.