A husband and wife from Cape Breton have been sentenced to five years in prison for committing sex crimes against a preteen girl. This sentence is two years less than what the Nova Scotia Crown attorney recommended and two years shorter than what the victim’s mother had hoped for.
Following the sentencing at Port Hawkesbury provincial court, the victim’s mother expressed disappointment, stating that the Digouts should have received the full seven-year sentence. The victim, who was approximately nine years old when she started staying at the Digouts’ home for Bible studies, cannot be named to protect her identity.
During the trial, it was revealed that the couple often had children staying with them, believing it was a religious obligation to prepare young girls for motherhood. The victim testified that Daryl Digout had touched her chest and prayed for larger breasts to aid in her ability to have children. She also mentioned that the couple engaged her in sexual activities when she was 11 or 12 years old.
Initially, the Digouts denied the charges, claiming they were targeted due to their religious beliefs. However, they did not present any evidence in court, and Judge Paul Scovil convicted them in February, emphasizing the predatory nature of their actions.
The Crown had sought a seven-year prison term, while the Digouts’ legal aid lawyer suggested a four- to five-year sentence. In addition to the sexual assault charges, the couple was found guilty of failing to appear for fingerprinting after being missing for about a month following the initial charges.
Judge Scovil remarked that the Digouts had groomed the victim for their own sexual gratification. The couple showed no emotion during the court proceedings, with Daryl Digout choosing not to speak and Shelley Digout briefly mentioning her faith in God.
The victim, now a teenager, detailed the emotional impact of the abuse in a statement read in court. She revealed struggles with depression and self-harm as a result of the Digouts’ actions.
The victim’s mother expressed relief that the trial was over and the Digouts were sentenced to prison. She hoped that the couple’s incarceration and counseling would lead to their rehabilitation and eventual healing for all involved.
The woman, who had received religious training from the Digouts as a young girl, underscored the betrayal she felt by people she trusted. She expressed a desire for forgiveness and genuine healing to occur in the future.
Overall, the woman indicated that her daughter was on a path to recovery but noted that the impact of the abuse would endure. She emphasized the importance of others feeling empowered to come forward with their experiences.
[Image: The Digouts were in Port Hawkesbury provincial court on Thursday for sentencing after being charged in 2023 with sex offences involving a youth who was in their care for Bible studies. (Image source: Tom Ayers/CBC)]
[End of article]