Six months for sex offender

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Joshua Roberts leaves the courthouse on Wednesday

A Summerland businessman who pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation was sentenced to six months in jail, Wednesday, followed by two years probation.

Joshua Roberts, 39, received the sentence from Judge Gregory Koturbash in Penticton court.

Roberts pleaded guilty to the exploitation charge in March. It stemmed from a relationship he had with a teenage girl between Sept. 15, 2012, and Aug. 15, 2013.

Roberts, who was 36 at the time, engaged in a sexual relationship with the 17-year-old employee.

He likened himself as a hero, saving her from her demons, according to the judge. 

But Roberts was not a hero, Koturbash said – he exploited the teen.

The victim is not being identified due to a publication ban.

In her victim impact statement, the teen said she was robbed of the last years of her childhood.

Roberts is to have no contact with the victim and will reside at a Summerland residence that was previously approved, according to the probation order.

It was an emotional scene as Roberts was led out of the courtroom following the sentencing. His parents hugged him and family members of the victim were also in court.

The victim's family members declined to comment after the decision.

Instead, Ed Stacey, national president of Urban Bulldogs Against Kids Abuse, issued a statement on their behalf.

"This family has been through a terrible ordeal, and it is now time for them to focus on the future," he said. The victim and her parents have been through hell at the hands of a predator, and we are all victims of this convicted sex offender."