Judge gives man until August 'to get his affairs in order' before sentencing

The owner of a restaurant in Greater Sudbury is pleading guilty to sex assault and exploitation charges involving a former employee who was 17 when she was victimized.

The victim and her family were in court Thursday, expecting the man to plead guilty and to read victim impact statements. However, under a deal with the Crown, the man was given until August to “get his affairs in order” before formally pleading guilty.

His lawyer, Berk Keaney, told Ontario Court Justice Randall Lalande that a joint submission with the Crown on sentencing will be part of the man's guilty plea, now scheduled for Aug. 21.

Both sides will also complete an agreed statement of facts by then, as well.

While acknowledging the victim and her family were expecting a guilty plea Thursday, Lalande allowed the delay under the condition the August proceeding will be without further delay and will include the agreed statement of facts.

A publication ban prevents revealing information that could identify the victim in any way. Sudbury.com is currently seeking legal advice about naming the restaurant owner.