Canadian fashion tycoon Peter Nygard (83) jailed for sexual assault
Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexually assaulting four women, reportedly. The 83-year-old was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault in November but was acquitted of a fifth count and one count of forcible confinement. Per CNN report, is facing separate sexual assault and sex trafficking charges in Montreal, Winnipeg, and the US.
Nygard showed no empathy for his victims: Judge
Justice Robert Goldstein said Nygard showed no empathy for his victims, who were all attacked at his company's offices. One of the victims was just 16 years old at the time. Nygard arrived at the courthouse in a wheelchair and did not address the court when given the opportunity. His time behind bars will come to a little less than seven years after accounting for time served. He will be eligible to apply for parole in two years.
Nygard's lawyer sought a 6-year sentence citing his age, health
Nygard's lawyer had sought a six-year sentence citing her client's age and poor health. The Crown had sought a 15-year sentence. The judge dismissed the argument for a shorter sentence saying Nygard has been receiving special treatment in custody due to his various health issues. Nygard's lawyer had previously argued in court that a lengthy sentence would be "crushing" for her client, who has Type 2 diabetes and deteriorating vision, among other health issues.
Nygard's victims testified they were invited to his business headquarters
During his trial, five women—whose identities are protected by a publication ban—testified they were invited to Nygard's Toronto business headquarters under pretexts ranging from tours to job interviews. All the encounters ended in a top-floor bedroom suite where four of the women were sexually assaulted. Multiple women told the jury similar stories of meeting Nygard on a plane, at an airport tarmac, or a nightclub and then receiving invitations to come to his headquarters.
