A Vernon man has been sentenced after a British Columbia Supreme Court judge found he sexually assaulted his 15‑year‑old stepdaughter in a Vernon hotel room, the court decision dated June 15 says.
Court finds trust abused in hotel meeting
The accused, 45‑year‑old Ramsay Michael Collier, arranged to meet the teenager in a hotel room and gave her alcohol before the assault, the decision states. Justice Miriam Maisonville concluded Collier was aware of the girl’s age and held a position of trust toward her.
“I cannot be your stepfather anymore but what I can be is your friend if you allow me,”
The judge noted the sexual assault left the youth with bruising on her legs and calves. In court the victim read a personal victim impact statement describing significant effects on her mental health, including heightened anger, sadness and difficulties feeling safe. The decision records the teenager saying she will never be able to regard anyone as a father figure again.
Charges, trial and conviction
Collier was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference of a minor. He pleaded not guilty and denied the events, asserting the teenager was attempting to blackmail him, a claim the judge rejected. The court convicted him on both counts.
- Offender: Ramsay Michael Collier, 45, of Vernon
- Victim: 15‑year‑old stepdaughter
- Outcome: Convicted of sexual assault and sexual interference; sentenced to jail (sentence details in court decision)
Court considered personal and medical background
The decision records background information presented to the court: Collier is Indigenous and was adopted as an infant. Assessments indicated possible undiagnosed fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, significant cognitive challenges and a history of alcohol and substance abuse. A psychological evaluation noted these cognitive issues affect his ability to perceive the consequences of his actions and to consider prosocial alternatives.
The judge took these matters into account in assessing mitigation but nonetheless found the offences serious and caused lasting harm to the victim.
| Charge | Court finding |
|---|---|
| Sexual assault | Guilty |
| Sexual interference of a minor | Guilty |
The ruling and sentence underline the court’s role in addressing sexual offences against minors and assessing both the impact on victims and the offender’s personal circumstances. The case has local significance in Vernon, highlighting the harms faced by vulnerable young people and the judicial mechanisms used to hold perpetrators to account.
Anyone seeking support related to sexual assault or abuse is encouraged to contact local victim services, law enforcement or community support organisations for assistance.
