An Orillia man, who pleaded guilty to a brutal sexual assault, has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
It was back in October 2014, when a 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a man, who broke into her home. Almost a year later, Brian Lancaster pleaded guilty.
When handing down the sentence Wednesday, the judge told Lancaster he stole the comfort and safety of the victim in her home.
Lancaster showed no emotion as he sat in the prisoner’s box. At one point he addressed the court and apologized to the victim.
"I would like to say sorry to the victim and her family for the trouble I have caused you for the past year, and I hope one day you can forgive me," said Lancaster. “I would like to say sorry to the court for wasting the court’s time for a crime that should never have happened.”
The Crown was asking for eight to 10 years, but the judge took Lancaster’s guilty plea into consideration.
The defence had argued that Lancaster broke into the house intending to steal something and that the sexual assault was not planned. Lawyer Gary Eadie had told the court Lancaster was under the influence of drugs at the time.
Outside the courthouse the victim’s mother told CTV News that this has been a devastating time. "You don’t think this kind of thing can happen to your child. The aftermath has been horrendous.”
The sentence wasn't the outcome they were hoping for but said they are happy they won't have to worry about it for the next few years.
Lancaster has remained in custody since his arrest and was given credit for time already spent in custody. He will now serve five years and 45 days in prison.
-With fiels from CTV Barrie's Rob Cooper
