A man from Red Pheasant Cree Nation has been handed a six-year prison term for what the judge described as “appalling” actions. Blaisen Nicotine, 27, admitted to inappropriate touching of two minors and dissemination of child pornography.
During the sentencing at Battleford Court of King’s Bench, Justice Brenda Hildebrandt condemned the “horrific” nature of the offenses. One incident occurred at a school on Red Pheasant Cree Nation, as reported by the RCMP following a tip-off from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
Nicotine, who was taking adult education courses at the school, was found filming himself in a bathroom stall when a young student entered. He then involved the child in the recording, later circulating the video on social media. Another victim, a 13-year-old misrepresented as 18, engaged in sexual acts with Nicotine over a ten-day period.
The identities of the victims remain protected by a publication ban. Both the Crown prosecutor and defense attorney recommended a joint six-year prison sentence, considering Nicotine’s troubled background marred by violence, substance abuse, and victimization in childhood.
Expressing remorse in court, Nicotine sought forgiveness, expressing regret for his actions and the harm caused. Judge Hildebrandt acknowledged the relatively lenient sentence but deemed it appropriate given Nicotine’s guilty pleas and the avoidance of trial for the victims. Nicotine is left with under four years of imprisonment after accounting for time served awaiting trial.