The sentencing of a Vernon, B.C. physiotherapist who admitted to sexually assaulting a number of his female patients during treatment was delayed again on Monday.
This fall, Stephen Witvoet entered guilty pleas to nine charges of sexual assault involving nine different complainants.
During the original sentencing hearing in October, court heard the sexual assault counts, which Witvoet plead guilty to, involved unsolicited touching of patients’ breasts or groins during the course of treatment.
October’s guilty pleas were part of a plea bargain between Crown and defence.
The two sides were jointly asking for an 18-month conditional sentence order, which would mean no jail time for Witvoet, followed by 24 months’ probation.
The sentencing was already postponed once so that the lawyers could provide more case law to the judge.
On Monday, the judge adjourned the sentencing again to allow the Crown and defence to consider specific case law and to provide more information on the background of how they came to the suggested sentence.
- 64 people charged in massive Ontario child exploitation investigation
- Montreal organized crime bust nets 4 arrests, millions of dollars: police
- Person tries to get into Drake’s Toronto property as shooting investigation continues
- Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
The judge acknowledged that it was stressful for both Witvoet and the victims for the sentencing to be delayed, but said he wanted to make sure the judicial process was fair and just for all involved.
A date will be set Wednesday for the sentencing to resume.
If that doesn’t happen, the issue would go to a discipline hearing where Witvoet’s registration could be cancelled.
Conditions proposed
Under the proposed sentence the two sides presented to the court in October, Witvoet would be placed under a number of conditions, including a requirement that he not treat female patients for the length of his sentence, including his probation.
However, in October, the judge pointed out that the lawyers’ original proposal, that Witvoet’s conditions include a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. was fairly lacks, as most people are at home during that time.
That led Witvoet’s lawyer to concede that a period of house arrest for the first few months of his sentence might be appropriate.
In October, Witvoet’s lawyer told the court his client is, “immensely sorry” and has sought counselling.
Defence counsel also urged the judge to take into account the collateral impacts the charges have had on Witvoet’s life.
Earlier this year, his lawyer said he was not working as a physiotherapist, had “basically closed” his once-successful physiotherapy clinic and was separated from his family.
Comments