Where a child complainant's evidence on one count is limited to a single brief statement with no elaboration in subsequent interviews, while evidence on other counts is detailed and consistent, the jury's acquittal on the former count alongside convictions on the latter provides a rational explanation for apparently inconsistent verdicts. Comparable sentences for sexual offences against children imposed prior to the 2000 amendment to s 349 of the Criminal Code are of very limited benefit given the legislature's clear intention to significantly increase penalties.
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