A sentence of 9 years' imprisonment with parole eligibility after 4 years is within the appropriate range for maintaining a sexual relationship with a child under 16 (maximum 14 years) involving a stepfather-stepdaughter relationship, frequent sexual acts over 9 months, attempted rapes, and a background of conditioning over many years. Where defence counsel unequivocally accepts the Crown case including allegations of violence and threats, the sentencing judge is entitled to sentence on that basis.
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