Seven-year prison term for babysitter

Michael Andress, 71, was convicted of sexual interference involving children

A Hamilton babysitter convicted of sexually abusing three young girls under his care has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

On Thursday, Justice Harrison Arrell sentenced Michael Andress, a 71-year-old former babysitter, church volunteer, crossing guard and Scouts Canada leader, to seven years for each charge, to be served concurrently.

He will be on the sex offender registry for life and can have no contact with children unless accompanied by an adult.

In October, a jury found Andress guilty of three counts of sexual interference.

Andress, wearing a navy jacket and medical mask, showed no emotion as Arrell read out his sentence.

“No thank you,” said Andress when asked if he had anything to say before sentencing.

The Crown had asked for 10 to 12 years in prison, while the defence asked for five-and-a-half to seven years.

Arrell said he considered aggravating and mitigating factors in his decision.

Among the aggravating factors: all victims were younger than 16, in two cases the abuse occurred over a period of more than a year, the fact Andress was in a position of trust over the victims and the issue of the children and their families’ “significant emotional trauma” as evidenced by testimony at trial and victim impact statements.

“A parent’s worst nightmare,” was how one victim’s father described his family’s continuing suffering.

Mitigating factors included: Andress having no criminal record, having a good work record, volunteering in the community, being a caregiver for his disabled wife and the fact he is 71.

Arrell said he also considered the “inherent wrongfulness of the offences” and the unknown long-term implications for the victims, two of whom are now young adults.

“They will recall their vulnerability and helplessness to stop what was happening to them indefinitely,” he said.

The mother of the youngest victim, who is now 14, said her daughter asks her to check her room and make sure doors are locked at night because she is afraid the offender could be in their home.