A Saskatoon judge has ruled that convicted child abuser Russell Wolfe is a long-term offender.
The designation is part of a joint-submission by the Crown and defence, which also called for a 15 year prison sentence and 10 years of supervision upon release. Wolfe, 59, will spend 10 years behind bars because of credit for time served.
“This is not a case where there’s no hope,” Crown prosecutor Kathy Grier said.
While behind bars, Wolfe will participate in high-intensity sex offender rehabilitation programming.
“I’m sure that correctional services will find a troubled man but one that’s willing to participate and work with the system to ensure that he can be released at some point into the community again,” defence lawyer Brian Pfefferle, said.
Wolfe is banned for life from places like playgrounds, swimming pools and schools. He is also not allowed to seek employment or volunteer opportunities in which he would be in a position of trust or authority over anyone under the age of 16; Wolfe also can’t be around people under the age of 16 without supervision.
He is also banned for life from using the Internet or other digital networks without the court’s approval.
“If he drops the ball on this, we all know what will happen,” Pfefferle told court.
Wolfe was originally arrested in 2014 during a Canada-wide operation that targeted sex offenders. There were 14 victims in relation to Wolfe’s case; the youngest was nine-years-old. Wolfe pleaded guilty last March to 20 sexual assault and child pornography charges.
The majority of the offences stemmed over the course of a decade between 1997 and 2008.
He was also convicted of a violent sexual assault in 1993 after threatening a sex worker with a knife during an attempted rape.
Wolfe’s age, his high level of intelligence and lack of sex offender treatment, as well as the “decline” in the pattern of his offences are the main reasons the Crown and defence argued for long-term offender status in their joint-submission.
There were long gaps between his offences, and the pattern suggests the nature and violence of his crimes declined throughout the years, while a typical criminal’s pattern is the opposite.
Lawyers proved to the court that Wolfe is at a high risk to re-offend, but those risks could be managed through treatment and controlled in the community.
In tears, Wolfe addressed the court about his offences. He said the offences took place during a time in his life when he was dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues.
“I’ve grown since then,” Wolfe said. “And I’ve realized how selfish and unforgivable my actions were.”
He also apologized to the victims, saying what happened wasn’t their fault, but instead was his mistake and that he didn’t mean to hurt them.
“I’d like them to know from the deepest place in my heart, I’m sorry,” Wolfe said in tears. “I’d also like to apologize my family, friends and even my community; I’m sorry – they deserve better.”
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