Husband of daycare owner sentenced to 15 years for sex assault, child porn

By Julia Lovett-Squires

The husband of a home-based daycare owner will spend the next 15 years in jail for sexually assaulting two boys under the age of three and using children entrusted into his wife’s care to make child pornography shared online.

On Monday, Joseph Sproull gasped before collapsing his head into his hands after learning his fate at the Court of King’s Bench in Battleford. His lawyer had asked for a six-year prison sentence, over the Crown’s recommendation of 18.5 years.

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“I’m very happy about the decision. I think that’s an appropriate sentence. We were hoping for a sentence around that time period,” said Crown Prosecutor Andrew Clements outside the courtroom.

“He’s now in the highest category of sentences in this province.”

According to Justice Grant Currie’s decision, Sproull was found guilty of all eight offences.

“These are pretty serious charges. (I’m) not surprised by the sentence,” Sproull’s lawyer Brian Pfefferle said.

Voice of a mother

In a victim impact statement read during the pre-sentencing hearing, a mother of a victimized child said no sentence would ever be long enough. She said the pain and trauma are immeasurable.

“This letter serves not only as a condemnation… but also as a plea for the strictest possible legal repercussions against you,” the letter, read by victim services, said.

“May this letter also remind you of the indelible stain your actions have left on your conscience and soul. There is no redemption, no forgiveness for what you have done.

“Let this letter also serve as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of my child and… other victims of such heinous acts. We will not be silenced, nor will we be intimidated – we stand tall.”

The case dates back to 2021 when Sproull was charged after a social media site called Kik alerted authorities about illegal images posted to their instant messaging app.

Of the nearly 500 images found on Sproull’s phone, some included children engaging in sexual activity.

Currie cited the aggravating factors leading to the steep sentence: Sproull was in a position of trust, preyed on young children as his victims, acted alone and was calculated. The offences occurred more than once over a period of time, and his photo archive contained hundreds of images of many children.

“At this level of sexual exploitation of children, it really is a matter of trying to determine whether one case of monstrous behaviour is more monstrous than another,” Currie told the court.

As for mitigating factors, Sproull was employed, had no prior criminal record and was a community volunteer.

“I take into account, as well, Mr. Sproull’s belief that he suffers from depression and from post-traumatic stress disorder – and I note the reports of his suicidal ideation,” Currie read, adding that Sproull has family support.

Ancillary orders and culpability

While in custody, Sproull was ordered to provide a DNA sample, placing him on the sex offender registry for life. He is to have no contact with the victims and a weapons ban for 10 years after his release.

He will be banned for life from attending parks, schools or daycares — anywhere where children under the age of 16 may be present.