Arthur McGuigan's crimes should earn 7-year sentence: Crown
WARNING: This story contains details that will be disturbing for many readers
Crown prosecutors are asking for a sentence of seven years in prison for a former youth worker at a P.E.I. high school who sexually exploited a female student and supplied drugs.
Arthur Francis McGuigan, 59, has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation, luring a child by means of a computer, and trafficking methamphetamine.
Crown prosecutors read an agreed statement of facts into the record Monday at P.E.I. Supreme Court in Charlottetown.
The court heard that in August of last year, when McGuigan was a youth worker at Bluefield High School, he received text messages from a female student under 18, asking for advice on how to become a paid escort. The youth was addicted to drugs and had been engaging in sex to feed her habit.
McGuigan met the girl in Charlottetown, engaged in oral sex, and paid her $100. Two weeks later he took her to a residence in Tracadie where they again engaged in sexual activity. He later provided her with methamphetamine.
The court also heard McGuigan received text messages over a six-month period with a former Bluefield student living out of province. That girl, also not yet 18, sent McGuigan several topless and semi-nude photos of herself.
In interviews to police the victim described McGuigan as 'her best friend in the world,' who had helped her through the death of a close family member.
In addition, the agreed statement of facts revealed McGuigan provided two girls under 18 with methamphetamine last summer.
McGuigan also pleaded guilty to breach of an undertaking. After charges were laid, he was ordered to stay away from females under 18. But he was placed in custody last month after two girls told police they'd been smoking marijuana with McGuigan at the same residence in Tracadie where the sexual offence took place.
In addition to seven years federal prison Crown prosecutors want Arthur McGuigan's name to remain on the national sex offender registry for the rest of his life.
The sentencing hearing continues Monday afternoon.