A man from Red Pheasant Cree Nation has been sentenced to six years in prison for committing what the judge described as “horrific” acts. Blaisen Nicotine, aged 27, admitted to touching two minors in a sexual manner and sharing child pornography. During Nicotine’s sentencing at Battleford Court of King’s Bench, Justice Brenda Hildebrandt condemned the abhorrent nature of the crimes.
One incident occurred at a school on Red Pheasant Cree Nation, as reported by the RCMP following Nicotine’s initial arrest. The police were alerted by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children about a video being traded on a social media platform. Nicotine was linked to adult education courses at the school.
According to the details presented during Nicotine’s sentencing, he was recorded masturbating in a bathroom stall when a young student entered. Nicotine called the child over, continued recording, and even forcibly pulled the child’s arm towards him. He then shared the video on social media with multiple individuals.
The second victim, a 13-year-old who misrepresented his age as 18 online, engaged in a 10-day relationship with Nicotine where sexual acts took place in a private residence. The identities of the victims are safeguarded by a publication ban, and no victim impact statements were provided in court.
The sentencing, a joint recommendation of six years by Crown prosecutor Danie Cillers and defense lawyer Daryl Royer, was accepted. Despite the acknowledgment that the starting point for such cases is usually higher, Nicotine’s traumatic background was considered in determining the sentence. Nicotine’s history of violence, exposure to substance abuse, and childhood victimization were highlighted in the pre-sentence report.
Nicotine expressed remorse in court, seeking forgiveness and expressing deep regret for his actions. The judge, while considering the sentence as relatively lenient, emphasized its appropriateness given the guilty pleas that spared the victims from testifying. Nicotine was encouraged to utilize available programs during his prison term, which, after factoring in time served, amounts to under three years and nine months remaining.
