Lethbridge man sentenced to 12 years for sexual assault, drugging of women
A Lethbridge man convicted of sexually assaulting three women has been sentenced to 12 years behind bars.
Sohil Bindra, 36, was arrested in March 2020 and convicted last spring of multiple charges including sexual assault, administering drugs, break and enter to commit sexual assault and possession of a controlled substance.
He was found to have sexually assaulted three women after drugging them.
On Monday, one of the sexual assault survivors was in the courtroom as Bindra received his sentence.
He has denied the allegations and claimed the encounters were consensual.
Crown prosecutors were pushing for an 18-year sentence, while Bindra’s defense was recommending a sentence of nine years.
Judge Jerry LeGrandeur originally planned to hand down a 15 year sentence, but said upon reflection, he opted to hand down a 12 year sentence instead, believing the original 15 year sentence to be too harsh.
LeGrandeur said in his sentencing that he believes that Bindra can be rehabilitated.
He pointed towards Bindra's lack of criminal history, consistent employment and strong family support as reasons why.
Bindra is eligible for time served and will be credited for one-and-a-half days served for every day he’s be in custody up to this point.
That will take off approximately four-and-a-half years from his sentence.
This won't be the last time Bindra will appear before a judge.
He faces three more trials and is accused of sexually assaulting three more women.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.