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Photo by Ernest Doroszuk/Postmedia Network

Bennett told the court that she felt pressured to give up her child and never discussed the issue with her then-partner. Goldrick, meanwhile, testified that he was never consulted and instead was told by the Willetts that he and Bennett would not make suitable parents.

Bennett left the home a few years later but Goldrick stayed. The child grew up in the same home as his father believing the Willetts were his biological parents, court heard.

Goldrick testified during trial that he was held captive and treated like a servant, threatened with being sent to an institution if he didn’t comply. He also said he was made to turn over his disability cheques and most of the money he made shovelling snow for other residents.

Others testified that they saw the Willetts abuse him verbally and physically and order him to carry out errands and chores.

The judge said he believed Goldrick had been “repeatedly assaulted by being punched and kicked by Mr. Willett,” but had no evidence that it led to serious injuries. Nor was he convinced that Goldrick was forced to stay with the couple until 2012, when his now-adult son and two others took him away.

The defence had argued the Willetts’ children and Gary Willett Jr. had colluded against their parents and influenced Goldrick. Defence lawyer Sam Goldstein had also said Bennett agreed to let the Willetts take her baby and later changed her story because it was easier than admitting she had given up her child.

McMahon found the Willetts’ children had expressed hostility towards their parents and had opportunity to taint each other’s testimony as well as Goldrick’s, and chose not to rely on their evidence.

Sentencing arguments are expected to be heard on March 23.

Maria Willett has pleaded not guilty to similar charges but will be tried separately. Goldstein said any findings made in her husband’s case would not affect her trial.