A B.C. man has been sentenced to three years in prison and 20 years on the sex offender registry for sexually assaulting a woman in White Rock.
White Rock man sentenced for sex assaults
Conviction and sentence
A 60-year-old White Rock man has been sentenced to three years in prison after a B.C. Supreme Court jury found him guilty of two sexual assaults against a woman he was close to. Darren Robert Sorensen must also remain on the national sex offender registry for 20 years, following a ruling delivered July 30.
Incidents under review
The assaults occurred in February and March of 2022 at the victim’s apartment, which she shared with her fiancé. Court records show that both incidents took place after social gatherings involving alcohol, including dinner at a Marine Drive restaurant and later drinks at home. In both cases, the victim experienced severe intoxication, blackouts, and memory loss, leaving her vulnerable.
Court findings
Justice Christopher Greenwood ruled that Sorensen exploited the victim’s condition, noting she was in her own home and should have been safe. Testimony revealed that during one assault, the victim realized Sorensen was on top of her and telling her to remain quiet. The judge emphasized that no consent was ever given.
Impact on the victim
In a victim-impact statement, the woman described the offences as life-altering, saying they shattered her trust and sense of safety. She told the court that she no longer sees herself as the same person and continues to struggle with the emotional consequences.
Defence arguments and rehabilitation
Sorensen’s defence highlighted his previously clean record, stable family life, and operation of a small business employing 14 people. Support letters portrayed him as hardworking, compassionate, and of good character. A psychological assessment also concluded that his risk of reoffending was low.
Judge’s decision on remorse and registry
Despite these mitigating factors, Justice Greenwood concluded that Sorensen showed only limited remorse, focused more on the impact to his marriage than on his actions toward the victim. The court imposed mandatory registration under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act, rejecting the defence’s request for exemption.
Additional conditions
Alongside the three-year prison term, Sorensen received a DNA order, a one-year weapons prohibition, and a no-contact order with the victim. Greenwood noted that aggravating factors, including the victim’s intoxication and the breach of trust in a close relationship, made a conditional sentence inappropriate.
