Cape Breton couple found guilty on sex charges involving young girl

A Cape Breton couple, Daryl and Shelley Digout, from Richmond County, have been found guilty of sex crimes involving a young girl by a provincial court judge in Port Hawkesbury, N.S. The charges included sexual assault, sexual interference, and sexual exploitation of a youth who was under their care for spiritual training and Bible studies. The girl, who was between the ages of nine and 12 at the time of the offenses, cannot be identified due to her age.

During the trial, the Digouts tried to discredit the girl’s testimony by pointing out inconsistencies. However, Judge Paul Scovil emphasized that the court can use common sense when assessing a child’s credibility. He stated that the girl’s evidence regarding the offenses was strong and highly credible, despite any inconsistencies.

The girl testified that she started staying with the Digouts on weekends when she was around nine years old. She mentioned that she would sleep in a separate room when other children were present but would sleep in the Digouts’ bed when she was alone and scared. Witnesses corroborated these facts.

The girl detailed instances where Daryl Digout touched her chest and prayed for larger breasts to help her have babies. She also stated that she was enticed to engage in sexual activities, including intercourse, with the Digouts when she was 11 or 12 years old.

Although the Digouts denied the charges and claimed that others influenced the girl’s accusations, Judge Scovil found no evidence to support this claim. He emphasized that the Crown had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and he had no trouble believing the girl’s testimony.

Scovil deemed the Digouts guilty on all charges, including one for failing to appear for fingerprinting at an RCMP detachment after the charges were laid. The couple’s religious teachings, which emphasized marriage and motherhood, were brought up during the trial.

The girl expressed that she initially believed the training and sexual activities were normal and that she loved the Digouts at the time. Scovil concluded that the Digouts were equally responsible for the offenses and stated that they would face sentencing in May. Despite facing potential incarceration, the couple has been compliant with court-imposed conditions and will remain free until sentencing.

The Digouts declined to comment after the judge’s decision. The case has garnered significant attention, and the couple’s sentencing in May will be closely monitored.