Notorious offender who attacked several Nanaimo area sex trade workers has jail extended

Dressed in a red prison jumpsuit, Ewing quietly entered guilty pleas in provincial court in Nanaimo to charges of sexual assault causing bodily harm and a choking offence.

A joint submission accepted by judge Brian Harvey heard that Ewing turned to an online dating site to meet the victim in Oct. 2018.

During a follow-up meeting and knowing the woman’s boundaries, the Crown’s Nick Barber said Ewing turned violent.

He attempted to penetrate the unnamed victim anally. The Port Alberni man then choked her.

Then he proceeded to violently sexually abuse her.

She was “coming in and out of consciousness,” Barber said.

“She eventually stopped struggling due to fear for her life.”

Barber stated the victim contacted Ewing shortly after the incident to reclaim items she left behind.

The victim reported the incident to Nanaimo RCMP about three years later and a few weeks after Ewing was handed his jail sentence following a high-profile sentencing hearing and judgment.

She did not provide a victim impact statement.

The new charges against Ewing were approved by Crown counsel this past January.

Ewing’s lawyer, Bert King, told the court his client has taken “every available programming” while in jail.

An on-site psychological assessment from a Correctional Service of Canada doctor deemed Ewing has a reduced risk of sexual violence.

“…Mr. Ewing is estimated to be at a low risk for general and violent recidivism and a low to moderate risk for sexual recidivism,” King told the court in reference to a report from Dr. Carmen Neufeld.

A pair of psychological reports previously reported during Ewing’s initial sentencing that he was a moderate to high risk of re-offending.

King said Ewing is committed to continued counselling.

“He needed significant help, he still does need help, he realizes he has some really big issues,” King said.

The veteran defence attorney expanded on how Ewing intends to return to the mid-Island area following his sentence and upgrade schooling to pursue a career in the marine industry.

Ewing stood up to briefly address the court.

“I’m just sorry for what I did and I’m just trying to move forward on my life and never be involved here ever again,” Ewing said.

King said his client was divorced after the original charges came to light and that he doesn’t have any relationship with his stepchildren.

Defence attorney Bert King and Stephen Ewing enter court prior to a Sept. 28. 2021 sentencing hearing in Nanaimo. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Ewing continues to benefit from strong family support, King said.

Ewing was originally charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm in August 2019 against three women following a lengthy police investigation for incidents in Nanaimo in 2018.

Additional similar charges were later applied as the investigation advanced and more victims came forward.

In all of the cases, Ewing agreed to pay women for sex, which escalated into him forcing non-consensual sex acts and violence.

Four of the seven incidents happened at the Lantzville cabin on Industrial Rd.

One of the victims at the cabin was 15 years old at the time, however Ewing was told she was 18.

The young victim was choked by Ewing and forced to perform oral sex to the point she vomited several times.

During his 2021 judgment, judge Harvey said Ewing’s egregious actions left his victims mortified, distraught and confused.

“They have all clearly been hurt, not only physically but emotionally. The profound disbelief and hurt each of them suffered at the hands of this accused was strikingly obvious and shocking.”

Ewing initially indicated he would fight the charges and proceeded with the matter to trial.

He pleaded not guilty early in 2020 after charges from six complainants were laid.

Prior to Ewing’s first sentencing hearing, a pair of psychologists concluded he was a moderate to high risk of re-offending with sexual violence toward sex trade workers.

A forensic evaluation of Ewing failed to explain why he lashed out at his victims. He reported being under significant amounts of stress at the time of his offending, however, no clear reasons for his behaviour were brought before the court.

Ewing had an upbringing in a loving home and a strong, successful work history.

He continues to receive support from his family, court was told.

Ewing’s name is on the National Sex Offender Registry for life, while his DNA sample has already been submitted.

A lifetime weapons ban applies against him.

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On Twitter: @reporterholmes

by Ian Holmes

Notorious offender who attacked several Nanaimo area sex trade workers has jail extended

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