An Algonquin Highlands man has been sentenced to 90 days in jail, to be served on weekends, and nine months of house arrest after being found guilty of sexual assault and unlawfully entering a dwelling following an incident in the community in February 2021.
Paul Gregory Watson confronted an elderly neighbour in her home without her permission late at night Feb. 17, 2021, making several sexual advances. When rebuffed, Watson persisted, exposing himself while expressing his fondness for the victim, an Oshawa courtroom heard Nov. 30.
The sentence was handed down by Justice Russell Wood, who had earlier found Watson guilty on both counts on July 19. Crown prosecutor, Rebecca Griffin, had sought an 18-month jail sentence.
Wood noted how Watson’s act was a clear betrayal of trust, given his familiarity with the victim. He and his wife, Michelle, had temporarily lived with her while their home was being renovated, while Watson would regularly assist with chores on the property.
The judge added Watson’s actions have had a “profound impact” on the victim’s life. The woman, in her late 70s, sold her home and moved away from the community, something she was not previously planning to do. Wood said the victim impact statement was “quite harrowing.
“Her experience over the last couple of years has been very difficult, to put it mildly. Mr. Watson’s conduct turned her world upside down… she has always felt capable and safe. Mr. Watson shattered the confidence in her,” Wood said. “She has relocated and changed her daily routines and leisure activities. She has been attending counselling sessions to cope with what took place.”
He added, “obviously, this was not how she had hoped to spend her golden years.”
In landing at what he deemed to be an appropriate sentence, Wood said he considered the impact this had on the victim.
“It cannot be understated that sexual assault is inherently invasive and violent. Although the degree of intrusion here is not at the more aggravating end of the spectrum… it is clear Mr. Watson’s conduct has had a very profound impact… in my view, jail time is necessary,” Wood said.
He suggested an intermittent sentence based on Watson being a first-time offender and the testimony of his wife, who said she relied on her husband to run their shared business, Watson General Contracting, and to assist her with medical-related issues.
It was noted Watson works long hours with his waste management company, which, it was noted, manages several municipal landfill sites, including in Minden Hills and Algonquin Highlands.
Minden mayor, Bob Carter, said he did not know all the facts and refrained from commenting when approached by The Highlander. He noted while municipal employees have to provide a criminal record check prior to their employment, the same conditions aren’t extended to contractors. He was unsure if the issue would be addressed by council at its next meeting Dec. 14.
Algonquin Highlands mayor, Liz Danielsen, said the township is investigating what approach to take.
Wood noted a letter submitted to the court by Watson, expressing remorse for his actions, was “quite heartfelt.
“This is a situation where a carefully crafted blended sentence… will effectively meet the objectives and principals of sentencing. It sends the appropriate message to Mr. Watson that his conduct was serious and will not be condoned by the community. Further, it will allow Mr. Watson to explore rehabilitation, continue with his employment, and assist his spouse,” Wood said.
The sexual assault charge carries an eight-month probation, as well as 90-day incarceration, with the unlawful entry of a dwelling carrying two years of probation, on top of nine months of house arrest. Watson is prohibited from possessing any firearms for five years and will be placed on the Ontario Sex Offender Registry for 10 years.
He is to serve his sentence at Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, presenting himself on Friday evenings and being released Monday morning. He is ordered to remain in Ontario for the entirety of his sentence, and, when on house arrest, seek permission for attending medical appointments and religious services.
Wood noted Watson is to present himself at the request of his supervisor at all times during the period of house arrest, or risk facing further jail time.
