Summerside man gets 18 months in jail for sexual assault on teen

Daryl Harold Jelley was sentenced to 18 months in jail for luring and sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

The 48-year-old was sentenced in provincial court in Summerside Tuesday.

Judge Jeff Lantz sentenced Jelley to six more months than the minimum sentence.

Jelley pleaded guilty to the charges in May.

The court heard he used text messages and personal meetings to develop a relationship with the girl. He had touched the girl sexually on multiple occasions late last year.

The girl's mother called police after discovering the text messages. She was in court Tuesday for the sentencing.

"I'm relieved. I'm glad he's going to do prison time. And hopefully this will be a deterrent for other people who have done this kind of behaviour. I hope it never happens to another kid," the woman said.

The girl had told police she became close to Jelley in late 2014. She said he began acting strangely and got mad if she didn't spend time with him.

The girl told police she didn't want to lose Jelley's friendship so she gave in and met him several times in his van.

The court heard that was where he touched the girl sexually on multiple occasions.

The court also heard Jelley refused to answer questions from the police about whether he'd had any sexual contact with the victim.

Probation includes restrictions

The mother said her daughter is suffering.

"Her mental health has deteriorated, her school work deteriorated, her everyday life, wanting to go out of the house was very limited those first few months," she said.

After serving his jail sentence Jelley will be on probation for three years.

During that time, he will not be able to have any contact with the victim or visit any parks, pools, school grounds, or other spots where children commonly gather.

Jelley is not permitted to work at a job where he might be in a position of authority over young children.

His name will be listed on the national sex offender registry for the rest of his life.