Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Monday, April 02, 2007

HOLMAN - A 35-year old man was sentenced to four years imprisonment for a violent sexual assault that happened in Ulukhaktok in April of 2006.

Leslie Memogana was found guilty of sexual assault against a female he had invited to his residence.

Memogana had opted for a jury trial in November of 2006 but did not show up.

NWT Supreme Court Chief Justice Ted Richard told the court that Memogana forfeited his right to a jury trial at that point.

Memogana had a previous conviction of sexual assault 10 years ago and had served three years imprisonment, and four previous convictions of violent incidents.

On the night of the incident, Memogana and the victim were both apparently intoxicated when they went to Memogana's residence.

Richard told the court that Memogana proceeded to have forcible sexual intercourse with the victim.

"I found Mr. Memogana's trial testimony to be unreliable. He was/is not fully aware of the violence he committed that night," Richard told the court.

"This was a serious crime committed by Mr. Memogana and that sentence has to reflect that," said Richard as he sentenced Memogana to four years imprisonment, with six months credit for time spent in custody.

Since he is still living off the land in his community, Richard said Memogana would be allowed to apply to a firearms officer to be able to use a firearm for sustenance purposes.