Sentencing underway for former Woodstock mayor Trevor Birtch after sexual assault conviction

CTV’s Gerry Dewan with the sentencing submissions in former Woodstock mayor Trevor Birtch’s sexual assault case.

Former Woodstock mayor Trevor Birtch is closer to learning his sentence after being convicted on three counts of sexual assault in the fall.

On Thursday the Crown and Birtch’s lawyer entered sentencing submissions.

The Crown’s position is that Trevor Birtch targeted a vulnerable 40-year-old woman. She had fibromyalgia, limited financial means and addictions issues.

During the trial the victim spoke of being forced into unwanted sexual activities. Assistant Crown Attorney Kristina Mildred noted the victim’s testimony in which she said she felt like an abused dog.

While acknowledging sentencing for sexual assault involving intimate partners commonly falls in the range of three to five years, Mildred told the court the victim’s testimony and other mitigating factors warrant a six-year sentence for Birtch.

Birtch’s lawyer Jordan Gold recommended a three-and-a-half-year sentence. Gold introduced nine character reference letters.

Gold portrayed Birtch as a man who “buckled under the weight of his own life.” He was entering into his second term as mayor and dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Gold said Birtch also had an affair and his marriage collapsed.

Birtch fell deeper into alcohol and drug use, and Gold said Birtch white-knuckled through his life without getting counselling.

Superior Court Justice Spencer Nicholson will deliver his sentence on May 19, 2026.

Meanwhile, Birtch continues to face a separate proceeding involving a 45-year-old former girlfriend, involving charges of assault and sexual assault.

There was mistrial declared in that hearing and is Birtch is awaiting a new trial.