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INUVIK
After pleading guilty to a violent sexual assault, an 18-year-old Inuvik man was sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday.

Miller Kasook broke into the home of an Inuvik woman in her 70s and sexually assaulted her in May.

The victim, whose name is protected under a publication ban, was bruised and had to wait until Kasook passed out before escaping her home and calling the police from a neighbouring house, court heard Tuesday.

Both the Crown and defence asked for a three-year sentence, which was lenient, said territorial court Chief Judge Robert Gorin. But he added he was obligated to consider a variety of factors.

The offender has been in custody since committing the crime, spending more than 160 days in jail, but the time he has already served does not count toward the three-year sentence.

On top of the three years for the assault, Kasook will also be serving an additional 30 days behind bars for a brief escape from the Inuvik RCMP Detachment.

History of drug and alcohol abuse

Kasook has a history of drug and alcohol abuse and has been diagnosed with partial fetal alcohol syndrome.

A doctor's report cited by the defence states the offender has the mental capacity of an eight- to 10-year-old.

"I apologize. I am working on trying to control myself," Kasook told the court after being asked to make a statement. "I have a disability, I know I could do better. I just want to go back to my family."

He will be registered as a sex offender for the next 20 years on top of serving jail time.

The defence asked Kasook be allowed to serve his time in the North so he can access rehabilitation programs.

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