A Central Alberta woman who was repeatedly sexually touched by former United Conservative Party MLA Don MacIntyre when she was 10 years old says she is pleased and relieved that he has been handed a three-year prison term.
She spoke with reporters outside Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench on Friday, moments after MacIntyre was sentenced.
“It feels so good because forever he’s been safe with his superiority and with his job and in his position in politics,” said the woman, who cannot be identified. “He’s always been in a position of power and it is so good to see that taken away from him.
“I am feeling very happy. It’s been a very, very long time coming for me. I’ve been waiting almost half my life for today and I’m very happy with the outcome and with what the judge said. I can’t wait to go to university and be normal.
“I think I can go forward a lot happier and feeling a lot safer and also more confident because I know in the end the justice system worked out for me. I don’t have to be afraid anymore.”
MacIntyre, 63, pleaded guilty before Justice Debra Yungwirth on Jan. 11 to a charge of sexual interference. He was charged in February 2018 and had been on bail pending the court appearance.
According to an agreed statement of facts entered with the court, MacIntyre touched the girl for a sexual purpose between five and 10 times in 2010 and 2011 at a rural residence near Sylvan Lake.
“The accused would start kissing her and taking her clothes off,” the statement reads, in part. “The accused would kiss and touch her breasts. He would touch her with his hands from front to back, around her vagina and her buttocks.
“He told her that God said that God was OK with the touching. The accused told (the victim) he’d prayed to God about it.”
After the assault took place, the victim “felt depressed and thought about killing herself. She would visualize stabbing herself and killing herself.”
MacIntyre was charged with sexual interference and sexual assault in 2018 after a counsellor became aware of the offences and went to police, court heard.
With her mother and one of her brothers at her side, the victim read a victim impact statement, saying the offences have impacted her deeply in many ways.
“I began to think it was my fault, I was that brainwashed,” she said. “I felt sick to my stomach all the time and I cried a lot in high school.
“I was angry a lot. I will never, ever forgive him.”
She said she had bouts of depression and even suicidal thoughts following the offences.
Crown prosecutor Julie Snowdon suggested a three- to 3 1/2-year sentence for the accused, calling the abuse “deplorable.”
“Such crimes offend the entire community,” said Snowdon. “The offence is a particularly harmful offence. It would be deeply disturbing to any person.”
Defence counsel Ian McKay suggested a two-year sentence.
“The victim in this case lost her innocence and that never should have happened,” said McKay.
He called MacIntyre a “deeply religious man” who “has been punished in many ways” for his actions.
The guilty plea was an indication of MacIntyre’s remorse, he said.
“I’m not sure he will ever forgive himself,” he said.
Following Snowdon's and MacKay’s comments, the justice gave MacIntyre an opportunity to address the court.
“I wish to apologize to (the victim) for the pain and anguish I have caused her,” said MacIntyre.
In passing sentence, Justice Yungwirth called MacIntyre’s actions “long-term, predatory abuse” that had a “profound impact” on the victim.
After passing sentence on the sexual interference charge, the justice withdrew the sexual assault charge against MacIntrye.
Following court, both defence counsel McKay and prosecutor Snowdon spoke with reporters.
“I think the decision was fair and balanced and took into account all of the factors that were in this case,” said McKay, himself a former Crown prosecutor.
“My client is truly remorseful and he recognized the harm he has caused. He wanted to take full responsibility and I think it was quite clear today that he did that.”
For her part, Snowdon said the sentence was fitting.
“I think the sentence was fair in all the circumstances,” said Snowdon. “This involved sexual touching of a highly intrusive nature.
“I think in this case the justice got it right when she found that it (widespread media attention about the case) shouldn’t mitigate the sentence in light of the fact that this individual (MacIntyre) chose to have a public role after he had already committed the offence.”
Following MacIntyre’s sentencing, the victim was asked what she thought about the three-year sentence handed to her abuser.
“I would have liked more of course, but that’s because of how long I’ve felt sad. I understand this is a pretty good sentence,” she said.
She then said she is “very, very thankful” for the support she received from family and friends during her ordeal.
“You’re not alone and there is always hope,” she said.
