Lake Harbour (Oct 18/04) - A Kimmirut man has been given a territorial sentence of two years less a day in jail, plus an additional three years probation, after pleading guilty to 10 charges of sexual assault.

Sixteen of the 27 original charges against Mikidjuk Utye were dropped, according to crown attorney Christine Gagnon.

41-year-old Utye has been convicted of sexual assault in the past, with two prior convictions coming in 1998, Gagnon said.

Since his release from jail, Utye has re-offended four times, she added.

The most recent set of charges actually dates back to 1984.

Justice Beverley Browne had the option of giving a southern penitentiary sentence of two years or more, which would not allow for a period of probation, Gagnon said.

Having hoped for a federal sentence of just over two years, Gagnon said she understands Browne's reasoning.

"(Browne) placed great hope in the supervisory aspect of the probation order," she said in an interview, adding Utye's past history of having been sexually assaulted himself was also considered by Browne.

Included in Utye's sentence is an order -- enforceable by police -- for him to have no contact with children under 14 years of age, Gagnon said.

He is also not allowed to return to his home community without permission of the court.