A husband and wife from Cape Breton who were found guilty of committing sexual offenses against a young girl have been sentenced to five years in prison, a decision that falls short of both the Crown’s recommendation of seven years and the victim’s mother’s desire for the maximum sentence. The couple, Daryl and Shelley Digout, were taken into custody by sheriff’s officers at Port Hawkesbury provincial court, leaving the victim’s mother dissatisfied with the outcome, stating that they should have received the full seven-year term.
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed to protect her privacy, was around nine years old when she started staying at the Digouts’ residence in rural Richmond County for Bible studies. During the trial, it was revealed that the couple believed their religious beliefs mandated them to prepare young girls for motherhood, with the victim recounting an incident where Daryl Digout touched her chest and prayed for larger breasts to aid in childbearing.
The girl also testified that the Digouts coaxed her into engaging in sexual activities with them when she was 11 or 12 years old. Despite initially denying the charges and attributing them to individuals who did not share their religious convictions, the couple did not present any evidence or testify in court. Judge Paul Scovil, after convicting them in February, remarked that he had no doubts about the victim’s account.
In addition to the five-year prison sentence, the Digouts were found guilty of failing to comply with fingerprinting requirements after evading authorities for approximately a month following the charges. They were given seven days for this offense, to be served concurrently with their main sentence. Judge Scovil described the couple’s actions as predatory and emphasized how they manipulated and groomed the victim for their own sexual satisfaction.
In court, neither of the Digouts showed any emotion, with Daryl opting to remain silent and Shelley expressing her confidence in God’s presence in her life. The victim, now a teenager, detailed the emotional toll of the Digouts’ actions in a victim impact statement, mentioning struggles with depression and self-harm.
The victim’s mother, relieved that the trial is over and the Digouts are incarcerated, expressed hope for closure and urged other potential victims to come forward. She mentioned her daughter’s ongoing recovery process and the lasting impact of the traumatic experience on her life. Reflecting on her own past association with the Digouts for religious teachings, she emphasized the need for rehabilitation and counseling for the couple, aiming for eventual forgiveness and genuine healing.
The woman’s story sheds light on the complexities of trust and betrayal, underscoring the importance of safeguarding against abuse and exploitation within religious settings. The hope remains that through legal consequences and therapeutic interventions, both the victims and perpetrators can find paths towards healing and restoration.
