Trio face prison time for sex trafficking Brantford woman

Sentencing is underway for three Caledonia men convicted of forcing a young woman from Brantford into the sex trade.

In October, Justice Robert. J. Nightingale found Daniel Campbell, 37, Dragisa Lucic, 30, and Joshua Hillock, 32, each guilty of human trafficking, procuring, and profiting from trafficking and sexual services.

The Crown is seeking a 12-year prison term for Campbell, who was also convicted of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, possession of methamphetamine for trafficking, and sexual exploitation of the victim, who the judge concluded was coerced into providing sexual services in exchange for money" in late 2019 and early 2020.

The trio were found to have recruited the victim - whose identity is shielded by a publication ban - into prostitution on the pretense of helping her launch a modelling career shortly after she turned 18.

Instead, Nightingale said, the men profited off the victim's sex work, plying her with drugs and keeping the income she generated by servicing eight to 10 clients a day.

At Friday's sentencing hearing, prosecutors asked for 10 years in jail for Lucic, who was also convicted of advertising for sexual services. The court found that Lucic took photos of the victim in lingerie that were posted online.

Prosecutor Heather Palin said Lucic played a prominent role" in the scheme, saying he had significant control" over the vulnerable" woman's movements and knowingly placed her in dangerous situations."

Lucic's lawyer suggested a sentence of six years, with 18 months taken off for the time he spent in pre-sentence custody and house arrest.

After those deductions, Lucic would have four and a half years left to serve.

In asking for a lower sentence, Brennan Smart said his client, who has a criminal record but has not served time, has the support of his family and good prospects for rehabilitation."

The Crown wants Hillock, found by Nightingale to be a lesser player in the scheme, to serve five years in prison.

His lawyer, Lilit Izakelian, asked for a sentence of four years. With time subtracted for house arrest and pre-sentence custody, Hillock would have two years and five months left to serve.

Izakelian argued Hillock was himself taken advantage of" by Campbell and Lucic in his role driving the victim to hotels, delivering drugs and collecting money.

But Palin said Hillock exploited the friendship" he struck up with the victim by helping to perpetrate the abuse she endured.

Hillock and Lucic are scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 7 at the Cayuga courthouse.

At a future hearing, Campbell's lawyer will present submissions on his behalf prior to sentencing.

Crystal-Anne Marier, the only accused to testify at the trial, was acquitted of all charges.

A fifth accused, Carly Creor, faces many of the same charges and will have a separate trial that has not yet been scheduled.

J.P. Antonacci's reporting on Haldimand and Norfolk is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. jpantonacci@thespec.com