A couple in Cape Breton has been handed a five-year prison sentence for committing sex crimes against a young girl. The sentence was two years shorter than what the prosecution had recommended and two years less than what the victim’s mother had hoped for.
The victim, who cannot be named for her protection, was around nine years old when she started staying at the couple’s residence in rural Richmond County for Bible studies. During the trial, it was revealed that the couple believed that their religious beliefs mandated them to prepare young girls for motherhood.
The victim testified that Daryl Digout had placed his hands on her chest during one of her stays and prayed for her to have larger breasts to facilitate childbearing. She also stated that when she was 11 or 12, the Digouts coerced her into engaging in sexual activities with them.
Initially denying the charges and claiming persecution due to their religious beliefs, the couple did not present any evidence in court. Judge Paul Scovil convicted them, emphasizing that the evidence supported the victim’s account.
Apart from the sexual assault charges, the couple was also found guilty of failing to appear for fingerprinting after disappearing for about a month following their initial charges. They were given a seven-day sentence for this offense, to be served concurrently with their five-year prison term.
Describing the behavior of the accused as predatory, the judge highlighted how they groomed the victim for their own sexual satisfaction. The victim, now a teenager, shared in a statement how she had been emotionally affected by the Digouts’ actions, leading to depression and self-harm.
Following the sentencing, the victim’s mother expressed relief that the trial was over and that the Digouts were now incarcerated. She mentioned her daughter’s ongoing recovery and hoped that the couple would undergo successful rehabilitation, allowing for eventual forgiveness and true healing to take place.
