An Edmonton man was sentenced to fifteen and a half years in prison for kidnapping, restraining and sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl in March 2020. Wade Stene learned his fate Wednesday afternoon in an Edmonton courtroom. Stene pleaded guilty in February to kidnapping, restraining and sexually assaulting the girl, as well as unlawfully soliciting a person under 16 to touch his body. “This crime was premeditated, predatory and brazen,” Judge Susan Richardson told the court on Wednesday. Richardson went on to say that beyond admitting his guilt, Stan has shown no real remorse. “Complete lack of self-awareness. Of course he meant for this to happen. That did it,” he said. Richardson explained that Parliament had recently said there was a need for stronger sentences when children were sexually assaulted. Story continues below ad
Read more: Edmonton man pleads guilty to kidnapping, sexually assaulting 8-year-old girl
The girl’s family released a statement Wednesday afternoon, saying the past two years have been incredibly difficult. He thanked the members of the Edmonton Police Service who arrested Stan, as well as the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the Zebra Child Protection Center for their gentle care and support. “To the Crown prosecutors who handled this case with care and attention, who guided us every step of the way and helped us navigate the most difficult parts of this process. our warmest thanks,” the announcement reads. “It was difficult to hear the final outcome of the sentence imposed. No suggestion would have satisfied us, no amount of time will fully heal the harm that has been done. No crisis will fully protect the community in which we live. “We pray for healing. For healing within our community that has shown us solidarity, support and love. This has led us to these difficult times. We pray for healing within our family from grief, guilt and pain. And we pray for strength for our daughter and continued healing.” Trending Stories
Montreal woman files complaint after her curly hair was searched 3 times at airports Canadian swimmer says she was drugged on final night of World Championships
According to an agreed statement of facts read in court earlier this year, the child was walking in an alley in the area of 144th Street and 110th Avenue when Sten, wearing a white face mask, pulled up next to her in his Jeep and grabbed her. waist, pulling her into the vehicle. Once inside, he bound her hands and feet with duct tape and covered her mouth. He drove her to a secluded area and sexually assaulted her, the court heard. Story continues below ad After the attack, the agreed statement of facts said he drove the victim back to her neighborhood and dropped her off where she was eventually found by her father. 2:27 Hearing begins for man who kidnapped, sexually abused Edmonton child Hearing begins for man who kidnapped, sexually abused Edmonton child The child was so scared, the court heard, he thought the stranger was going to eat and kill him.
Read more: Child abduction and sexual assault survivor’s family shares emotional trauma at sentencing hearing
The girl’s family addressed the court on Monday, sharing their grief and trauma. Faced with substantial evidence against him, Stene, in his final confession to police, described his actions as “disgusting” and “despicable”. The 39-year-old Sten addressed the court on Tuesday, apologizing several times. Story continues below ad
Read more: Man who kidnapped, sexually assaulted Edmonton child addresses victim’s family
The Crown had asked for a 20-year sentence while the defense had asked for 10 years. Defense attorney Mark Jordan called the decision thorough and comprehensive. “I respect her decision,” he said. “He heard the defense’s position, he heard the Crown’s position, and he made the decision he made. “(Stene) has respect for the justice system and he reiterated that when I spoke to him. “It is fair to say that he accepts the sentence that Judge Richardson imposed.” Stene will receive credit for 1,313 days already served. With files by Emily Mertz and Sarah Ryan, Global News. © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
