FORT ST. JOHN -- The sentencing hearing for a Fort St. John veterinarian charged with sexual assault has come to an end.
The sentencing hearing for Justin Sewell wrapped up on Friday. Sewell is expected back in court on May 16th to set a date for the judge to deliver the sentence.
Fort St. John RCMP announced the charges against the local Veterinarian, including sexual assault, overcoming resistance to commission of the offence and two counts of voyeurism in 2022.
The Crown is expected to ask for federal prison time for Sewell of 2 to 3 years on the low end and 4 to 5 years on the high end. The defence is expected to ask the court that there be no form of incarceration or penalty.
RCMP says the incident occurred in 2007 in Charlie Lake. Police began investigating the case after they were made aware of the allegations in 2019.
Sewell pled guilty to one count of sexual assault and two counts of voyeurism. According to court documents, he allegedly sexually assaulted the victim and secretly observed/ recorded nudity or sexual activity in a private place.
The judge in the case imposed two publication bans to prevent the victim and witnesses from being identified.
