NORTH BATTLEFORD - Geoff McFarlan, a former Neilburg principal who was found guilty in April of sexually assaulting a student in Sept. of 2021, has been sentenced to serve six months in prison followed by two years of probation.
Judge Kevin Hill, who handed down the sentence on Sept 1, 2023, agreed with the crown's submission, quoting a Supreme Court case [R V Friesen] from 2020, recognizing the weight in child sexual assault cases when considering sentencing.
"My decision is informed by the Crown's position and by the ... Supreme Court," Judge Hill said.
Judge Hill recognized that although McFarlan has no prior criminal record and a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation, the trust he held in his position as principal, the age of the student, and that fact that the assault occurred in a supposed place of safety where the student was required to attend, played a role in the sentencing as well.
There is currently a publication ban in effect protecting the names and identities of the victim and witnesses.
McFarlan was taken into custody on Sept. 1 and will serve six months followed by two years probation. He will be prohibited from being at pools, parks, or playgrounds where children under the age of 16 may be present. He will be required to register as a sex offender for ten years and has a required DNA order.
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