A man charged with sexual assault and sexual interference instead pleaded guilty to common assault Feb. 24 and will spend the next two years on probation.
BC Supreme Court Justice Marguerite Church gave Darryl Martin Perry a suspended sentence with conditions, after he maintained his not guilty pleas to the two charges.
Court heard that Perry was accused of committing offences between Sept. 24, 2017 and Sept. 17, 2021 in Prince George. The 51-year-old was arrested 3 1/2 years ago after a victim told RCMP that Perry had frequently been drunk and violent towards her.
Prosecutor Anne Baines read from the victim’s statement to police, that said Perry yelled and screamed, used an open hand and sometimes a lightly closed fist in attempts to strike her. But, the complainant said: “I got really good at dodging him because I usually wear $500 glasses. I got really good at moving out of the way.”
The victim also said Perry threw objects, like a smartphone or computer, across the room.
Said Church: “She indicated that Mr. Perry was always drunk when he would try to do this.”
Perry’s lawyer, Benjamin Levine, said that his client has no criminal record and his guilty plea helped avoid a trial. He said Perry was born in Terrace, is a member of the Haisla First Nation and works as a truck driver in Alberta.
Baines said the sentencing proposal was reached after discussions with Levine and “significant discussions” with one of the victims.
The identity of the victim is protected by court order.
Church’s conditions include staying more than 100 metres away from anywhere two certain people attend for work, educational and residency purposes. He must obey the law, participate in substance abuse counselling and provide a DNA sample to police.
