Defence wants house arrest for David Norton, priest convicted of sex abuse of boy
Victim says abuse by priest left him fearful of becoming a parent himself
A former London priest convicted of sexually abusing a boy says he is "full of remorse" for his crimes while his lawyer argued for a sentence that would keep him out of jail.
David Norton, 72, pleaded guilty earlier this year to sexual interference.
The abuse happened on outings and camping trips and began when the boy was nine and continued for four years. Religious and seeking a father figure for her son, the boy's mother introduced her son to Norton, hoping he would be a positive influence.
In a victim impact statement read in court Thursday the victim, now in his 30s, said the abuse left him with difficulty forming adult relationships and struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.
The victim said he's fearful of becoming a parent himself, worried the child might fall victim to someone like Norton.
'Undeniable' impact on victim
A court order prevents the publication of the boy's name.
"The impact of this abuse on the victim is undeniable," said Crown attorney Chris Heron. "Mr. Norton abused his position of trust and authority."
The abuse involved Norton performing fellatio on the boy and having the victim fondle his penis.
Heron argued for a jail sentence of four and a half years.
Norton's lawyer, Gord Cudmore, is seeking a conditional sentence which would mean two years of house arrest followed by three years probation.
"This behaviour was out of character," said Cudmore. "House arrest represents a significant loss of liberty. It's not just a slap on the wrist."
However it's unclear whether a conditional sentence is even a possibility under the law.
Conditional sentences were removed as sentencing options in cases involving personal harm but this happened after Norton's crimes. Both sides will make written submissions about whether or not it's a possible sentencing option.
The Crown is arguing that a conditional sentence isn't appropriate in this case.
A ruling by Justice Lynne Leitch on the conditional sentence question is expected by Friday, when Norton could be sentenced.
In a brief statement to the court Thursday, Norton said he is "full of remorse" for his crimes. He said the shame forced him to resign as a priest, a job he loved. He's also been prevented from visiting his teenaged granddaughter.
Cudmore pointed to his client's medical concerns, saying Norton has one functional kidney and may require dialysis or a transplant in the future.
Heron said Norton's medical conditions can be managed in jail.
Norton is facing similar charges involving other complainants in a separate case. The charges against him involve First Nations boys, police have said.
Norton was an award-winning history professor at King's University College, where he began teaching in 2003. He won a teaching award and at one point specialized in First Nations history. He was placed on leave in 2015 when the charges were laid.