Darcy Bannert, 26, was handed an eight-year prison term this morning on convictions of sexual interference, unlawful confinement, assault with a weapon, common assault, uttering threats and two drug charges.

“This was not a circumstance of poor parenting skills,” said Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Darlene Acton. “Mr. Bannert was the player in control of this case and the focus in this particular case can only be on Mr. Bannert.

“This was not a momentary act or an angry outburst of a person who loses control because a child has misbehaved,” continued Acton.

“This was a systematic plan and an abusing and controlling pattern of behaviour within an environment where Mr. Bannert chose to focus his attentions on (the girl) in a physically abusive as well as sexually abusive manner.”