Judge Overturns Discharge in Calgary Sexual Assault Case | Vancouver News

A Calgary judge overturned a controversial “absolute discharge” for Haagen Sagli, a Norwegian permanent resident convicted of sexual assault, sentencing him instead to 30 days conditional imprisonment. Despite his clean record, guilty plea, and rehabilitation efforts, Justice Lisa Silver stressed that these don’t erase the gravity of the offense or his responsibility. She criticized the original judge for minimizing the victim’s vulnerability and misinterpreting consent — emphasizing that sharing a bed doesn’t equal permission for sex. The case underscores how immigration law intersects with criminal justice: Sagli faced deportation risks due to Canada’s rules on serious convictions. The Crown had recommended a six-month sentence to avoid immigration fallout. Silver’s ruling reaffirms that even with mitigating factors, sexual assault demands accountability, protecting victims’ dignity and upholding societal values. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f6b3bc4ff6484bdf