Dangerous offender designation was the final result in a Saanich sex assault case.
In July 2008, a sex assault was reported to the Saanich Police. An extensive investigation led by Saanich Police detectives resulted in identifying the suspect as Robert Charles Lawrence, 34 years of age.
Charges included:
• Sexual assault
• Overcoming resistance by strangulation
At trial, a conviction was registered. Given a history of violent and sexual offences, Crown then took the exceptional step of attempting to have Lawrence designated as a ‘Dangerous Offender.’
A hearing was held in July 2011, and the finding was delivered yesterday in Victoria Supreme Court. The finding designated Robert Lawrence as a ‘Dangerous Offender’ which carries with it an indeterminate sentence to prison.
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