Forty-eight-year-old Michael Hume was convicted after standing trial earlier this year for sex assault, unlawful confinement and uttering threats in connection to an incident in Lytton in August 2013.

A community support worker who stripped a young man and shaved his body hair after he passed out in his home was in a “trusted role” and should serve four years jail, a Crown prosecutor argued Friday.

However, defence lawyer Richard Kaiser said Michael Hume should serve 90 days jail, on weekends, along with three years of probation.

The 48-year-old was convicted earlier this year of sexual assault, unlawful confinement and uttering threats in connection to an incident in Lytton in August 2013.

“Mr. Hume is at a low risk to reoffend,” Kaiser said, referring to a psychological report.

Hume arrived in the small Fraser Canyon community 10 years ago, working first as a youth and recreation counsellor and later assisting with restorative justice and helping young Lytton First Nation members in trouble with the law. The victim testified that included him.

Hume was also active with the B.C. Ambassador program for youth and became deeply ingrained in Lytton after marrying the band administrator, who has since died.

“It placed him in a trust role . . . in a job with court and social issues,” Balison said.

Kaiser presented 66 letters of support. But Balison argued the court should not consider those letters of support because it was that very reputation that allowed Hume to be trusted by his victim.

“He was essentially flaunting his power over a disadvantaged young man,” Balison said, adding Hume continues to deny his actions and remains remorseless.

During the trial, Hume claimed the victim made up the bizarre story after he would not hand over $200, in what Hume characterized as an attempted extortion.

However, the jury sided with the Crown, who said Hume’s story could not be believed.

The victim was emotional during his testimony, struggling through tears as he testified to waking up on an August morning in 2013 after a drinking session as Hume was shaving his pubic region. Much of his body hair had been removed.

He testified Hume laughed and said, “Your girlfriend will like it.”

Hume then drove the young man home, gave him $50 and warned not to tell anyone.

During the trial, Hume denied shaving the complainant, though he did acknowledge police seized hair from his vacuum cleaner and agreed with the Crown it was not animal hair.

Hume still lives in Lytton.

Lytton First Nation Chief Janet Webster wrote a victim impact statement, calling Hume’s actions “a crime against the entire community, not just one individual.”

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Sheri Donegan is expected to give her sentencing decision on June 26.

By Cam Fortems, Kamloops This Week