Prince George, B.C. - The pre-sentence hearing for 34 year old Joseph Robert Fowlie was an emotional one for many in Judge Ron Tindale’s courtroom.

Fowlie had entered a plea of  guilty to charges stemming from a brutal sexual assault in West Beaverly last spring. That was the case, where the victim’s vehicle was forced from the road, the victim pulled into a van where she was brutally beaten and sexually assaulted.

Citing case law, Crown called for a sentence of 8 to 12 years.

Defence Lawyer, Bruce Kaun read into the record letters of support from some of Fowlie’s family members, who said the actions which have lead to this day were totally out of character, that Joseph was a gentle, compassionate man, a good father and husband. Fowlie wiped tears from his eyes as the letters of support were read into the record. 

Kaun sounded choked with emotion called  on the court for mercy, “He (Fowlie)has done everything he can to atone for what he did that night. He has completed a substance abuse program, completed a violence prevention program and a relapse prevention program. I ask that you give a sentence that will not crush this man.”

Kaun requested a sentence of 6 or 7 years with credit for the near year Fowlie has already served.

Joseph Robert Fowlie  rose to address the court and  said “What I did that night was as bad as it can get. I wish I could give it back, but I also know that before that night, I had 34 good years.” He also offered an apology to his victim, his family, the public and anyone else who has been hurt by the actions of that night. “I can’t take it back all I can say is I will continue to work to make reparations, to try to figure out what went wrong that night. I will never touch alcohol again.”

Judge Ron Tindale will deliver his   sentence on December 16^th.