Brian Wilson pleaded guilty in April to six charges before the start of a planned nine-day jury trial. He was charged with three counts of sexual harassment and three counts of breach of trust – charges he initially said were false. Judge Jeffery Hunt accepted the joint sentencing recommendation from Crown and defense lawyers. Wilson will serve three years concurrently on each count of sexual assault and six months on each count of breach of trust. According to an agreed statement of facts entered into the court record, Wilson offered a woman cigarettes in exchange for her sexual acts. The attacks occurred about once a week over a six-month period in 2018. Another victim was fondled by Wilson. The third victim was handcuffed and sexually assaulted by him on at least two separate occasions. All these attacks took place in 2018 as well. The Nova Institution for Women is seen in Truro, NS on Tuesday, May 6, 2014. The maximum security facility is where Brian Wilson sexually assaulted three inmates. (Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press) Judge Hunt says there was no legal consent because Wilson was in a position of power and the women were vulnerable. “He should never be allowed to delude himself into the idea that these were consensual relationships that later turned bad. They never were. He had power over these victims because of his position,” Judge Hunt said during sentencing. “He took advantage of this position to commit acts of sexual violence and for a time to silence his targets and victims.”
Wilson apologizes
One of the women read a victim impact statement to the court. Her identity is protected by a publication ban. She says she hasn’t been able to rebuild trust and that Wilson has taken away her ability to love and experience intimacy. “I’m not going to judge you, be hateful or hateful to you in any way. I understand that people who have unresolved issues don’t have the skills to deal with their lives,” she said. “My thoughts are with you and I really hope you can get the help you need to help overcome whatever it was that led you to do these things. I want you to be a better person to stop hurting and hurting others and find peace inside”. Wilson also took the opportunity to address the court. “I would like to leave it [the woman] know that her warm wishes mean more to me than any of you will know,” he said. “I’ve always considered myself a compassionate person. Here I stand today, having caused all this pain.” Wilson became emotional as he apologized to his wives, family and friends. “I’d like to think I could come out the other side a better person. It’s all I have to hope for right now.” Wilson is prohibited from possessing firearms for 10 years after his release, must provide a DNA sample and must register as a sex offender for life. While in prison, he is not allowed to contact any of the victims or any women who are or were incarcerated. He must pay a $1,200 victim surcharge within five years of his release. MORE TOP STORIES
