Nunavut judges imposes maximum sentence on sex offender, calls Crown sentencing recommendation 'unhinged'

A judge in Nunavut handed the maximum sentence possible to a convicted sex offender on Tuesday, Nunatsiuq reports.

Joe Algiak, 56, received an 18-month sentence for what Justice Paul Bychok described as a "brutal sexual assault." He will also be on probation for 18 months after his release.

The sentence is eight months longer than the sentence recommended by the Crown, with Crown prosecutor Alina Seagal recommending a ten-month sentence. Bychok described the Crown's recommendation as "unhinged" in its leniency.

"I am certain that reasonable and informed Nunavummiut would conclude as I did that the Crown sentencing recommendation here was unhinged," Bychok said.

According to the victim of the sexual assault, Algiak illegally entered her home chased her and began stripping her clothes off after he caught up to her. The victim, who has not been publicly identified, said that the Algiak ceased the assault after she told him "I'm going to get my nephews to hurt you for hurting me."

Algiak himself has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 1983, including two prior sexual assault convictions.

Describing Algiak's actions as "clearly premeditated," "predatory" and "persistent," Bychok said that he would have sent Algiak to a federal prison had his trial not been a summary case.

Bychok also noted that Algiak was drunk at the time of the assault despite "knowing that his past extensive criminal record for violence was alcohol driven."

The "recommendation in Mr. Algiak’s case only reinforces the perception that our justice system fails to provide justice to Inuit female victims of sexual violence," Bychok insisted.