'I did not ask for this': victim speaks out at sex assault sentencing

*Warning: This article contains elements that some may find triggering.

*Editor's note: A publication ban covers any information that might identify the victims in this case, including many details of the incidents themselves.

“I was just a child. I did not ask for this, I did not like it and I definitely did not deserve it.”

Powerful victim impact statements were read out in Guelph Superior Court Friday as part of sentencing submissions in a historical sexual assault case. 

Keith Smith of Guelph, now 67, was convicted of sexual assault and criminal harassment for incidents involving an underage female victim between 2001 and 2003.

The victim, whose identity is protected under a publication ban, fought back tears as she recalled what turned out to be numerous incidents over multiple years at her home.

“Unfortunately, he told me I deserved it,” the victim said. “He told me I liked it. 

“I was a child. He had no right to touch me. I was a child. He had no right to treat me like a sexual object. I was a child. He did it anyways.”

As a result, she said her memories are of a “sick old man, with the smell of rotting teeth … touching me in my private areas,” describing herself as an “easy victim” due to her surroundings.

The Crown is seeking a prison term of 10 years, acknowledging Smith has four prior convictions on his record for sexual interference.

The defence is looking for five years behind bars.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 19.

The victim described how she “always had a chip on my shoulder,” and made a promise no man would ever get that type of satisfaction again.

“I had panic attacks when anyone touched me for years," she said. "To this day, if I am touched from behind, chances of an elbow to the ribs are about 90 per cent.”

She said the marks he left are still raw and painful.

“He got his enjoyment. Now I get to spend the rest of my life handling the consequences," the victim concluded, adding she hopes he's made to pay his actions.

The victim's mother also read out a statement to the court.

In it, she discussed the feelings of betrayal and anger she felt because of all this, all while looking directly at Smith.

She talked about how the family put a lot of trust in Smith, only to be repaid by him committing “the most vile offences towards us.”

She said Smith used her to gain her trust to violate her daughter.

“He was supposed to be a family friend, loving, caring, protective,” the mother stated.

“Instead, he chose to be the Boogeyman in my daughter's life.”

The mother noted how unsafe her daughter felt going out for drinks, and it didn’t make sense to her, adding she provided a safe environment.

But one day, when the victim was in college, the mother says she blurted out “Keith molested me.”

“Those words tore me to pieces. They tore my heart out. The emotions, but no words. I wanted him arrested that day.”

She referred to Smith as a “creature” multiple times throughout her statement.

She called today “long overdue,” adding Smith took away the victim’s sense of well being and safety.

“He took away her childhood, her innocence.”

The mother ended by calling for justice for Smith’s abuse.

“(My daughter) needs to feel safe again,” she said.

Judge Gordon Lemon commended both, calling the statements the most articulate he’s heard in the last 15 years.

Smith was given an opportunity to address the court, but chose not to.