Sexual offences send man to cells

A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to 29 months behind bars after pleading guilty to a series of charges including sexual offences with two 13-year-old girls.

A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to 29 months behind bars after pleading guilty to a series of charges including sexual offences with two 13-year-old girls.

David Johnny Junior Silas pleaded guilty to one count of sexual interference and one count of sexual assault involving two teens.

Silas became sexually interested in the girls between October and December 2008, according to a sentencing decision made public late last week.

The sexual interference charge stems from three incidents where Silas kissed the first victim and touched her inappropriately.

The second charge involved a different girl who Silas persuaded to go to her basement room, said visiting territorial court judge Donald Luther.

There, she was sexually assaulted.

In a victim impact statement, the second girl says she “felt scared, guilty and alienated,” the judge said.

Silas had not consumed any alcohol prior to the first offence but was intoxicated for the second, Luther said.

Neither victim had consumed alcohol.

The judge pointed out that Silas has no criminal record other than a 2008 impaired driving conviction. He also was co-operative with police, entered guilty pleas and has a supportive family and community.

“I am satisfied that he will be able to turn things around,” Luther said. “Also of note, he made good use of his time in pre-trial custody.”

After he was charged with the sexual offences, Silas’ “life started spiraling out of control,” the judge said. That led to other charges, including impaired driving and failing to attend court.

The length of Silas’ sentence was recommended by both prosecutors and the defence.

Luther admitted “this does seem somewhat on the low side” given the serious nature of the charges.

“However, given the fact that we are dealing with experienced counsel here, and given the substantial likelihood that this young man will be able to turn his life around, I can accept the joint submission.”

When he was sentenced in May, Silas had already served 13 months in custody.

Once he is released, he will be on probation for three years.