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An Oliver man, charged with molesting his stepdaughter more than three years ago, has been found guilty on all three charges he faced.
In Penticton provincial court Thursday, Judge Meg Shaw found the accused guilty of sexual assault, sexual interference of a person under 16, and touching a young person for a sexual purpose.
The charges stem from a series of incidents from September 2008 to September 2009, when the girl was 10 and 11 years old. The man's name cannot be released to protect the victim's identity.
Shaw referred to earlier trial evidence during which the girl alleged her mother's live-in boyfriend had fondled her vaginal area while telling her she was sexy and gorgeous.
In one incident, she claimed the accused came into the living room while she was at home sick, lying on a couch watching TV. He dropped his pants and masturbated in front of her and then attempted intercourse. He warned her not to tell anyone else.
Although this was the only time he attempted intercourse, she said fondling continued once or twice a week for about a year. Charges were laid after the girl informed her teacher at school.
The man denied the allegations and was supported by the girl's mother. However, Shaw rejected the not guilty plea.
"I disbelieve the testimony of the accused (made in a statement to police) that he did not touch (the girl) in a sexual way," the judge said. "Many of the explanations or justifications had no air of reality to them."
Shaw also rejected a defence application under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to have the case thrown out, due to the extreme length of time the matter was before the courts. Charges were originally laid more than three years ago.
She noted only one adjournment was due to an application by Crown counsel. The trial began in October 2011.
A psychiatric assessment of the accused has now been ordered prior to sentencing at a later date.