• Peter Nygard, the founder of one of Canada’s largest clothing brands, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Monday for multiple counts of sexual assault
• The assaults took place in a top-floor bedroom suite with a hot tub at his opulent Canadian offices.
• The judge sentencing highlighted Nygard's lack of behavioral moderation over the years, underscoring the severity and impact of his crimes on his victims.

Peter Nygard, the founder of one of Canada’s largest clothing brands, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Monday for multiple counts of sexual assault. The charges against the 83-year-old businessman involved four victims, including three women and a 16-year-old girl, in incidents occurring between 1988 and 2005.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein described Nygard as "a Canadian success story gone very wrong" and labelled him a "sexual predator" who exploited his wealth, power, and influence to prey on his victims. The judge emphasised the high level of "violence, degradation, and duration" of the assaults, as well as the manipulative tactics Nygard used to lure his victims into his private apartment.

Nygard, who appeared in court wearing a dark hoodie and visor to shield his eyes, did not visibly react to the sentencing. He was convicted in November 2023 of using his position as the head of Nygard International, a prominent womenswear brand, to assault women and girls under the guise of offering lucrative modelling or other opportunities. The assaults took place in a top-floor bedroom suite with a hot tub at his opulent Canadian offices.

The case represents a dramatic downfall for Nygard, who once enjoyed a glamorous lifestyle, including hosting extravagant parties at his properties in the Bahamas and Los Angeles. His fashion empire, known for blouses and slacks sold in major department stores and his outlets, has now been overshadowed by these serious criminal charges.

Prosecutors had sought a sentence of at least 15 years, while the defence argued for a release within two years, citing Nygard’s advanced age and deteriorating health. The court has given Nygard credit for time spent in pre-trial custody, which could potentially shorten his time in prison to about six and a half years, or sooner if he is granted parole.

Judge Goldstein's sentencing highlighted Nygard's lack of behavioural moderation over the years, underscoring the severity and impact of his crimes on his victims.

Outrage as 15-year-old boy allegedly defiles 14-year-old girl

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigerians expressed their shock and anger at the case of a 14-year-old girl, Mercy, who was allegedly assaulted by her classmate, a 15-year-old boy named Goodluck Bison. 

One netizen, Omote-Urhobo, with the X handle @MadamUfuomaa, posted a picture of Mercy bruised and battered. She called for donations to help save the girl who was struggling for her life.