The 45-year-old man, who can’t be identified to protect the identity of the victim, was convicted after Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Smith heard evidence of how he sexually abused his adopted daughter when she was between the ages of nine and 15 years old.
The victim, who is now 18, testified the sexual encounters with her adopted father progressed from him exposing himself when she was in Grade 4 to masturbation and oral sex. Eventually, he forced the victim to engage in sexual intercourse, warning her that if she told anyone about the encounters she would be responsible for the break-up of her family.
The victim testified the abuse usually occurred in the late afternoon, before her mother returned home from work, and would happen about three to four times a week. She eventually told her mother about it after becoming concerned about the safety of her niece, who was about to turn nine years old.
The man, who court heard attempted suicide after the allegations, denied the sexual encounters ever occurred.
On Wednesday, Judge Smith rejected the man’s evidence and found him guilty of sexual assault, sexual touching and invitation to sexual touching.
Judge Smith said the man’s actions, which included leaving a message for the victim and her mother to apologize after being confronted with the allegations, were consistent with his guilt.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 12.
aseymour@thecitizen.canwest.com