Ian Taptuna sentenced to 90 days, 12 months probation for sexual interference

Ian Taptuna was sentenced to 90 days in jail at the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit Friday morning.

Taptuna, 24, was found guilty of sexual interference involving a 10-year-old girl in June.

Taptuna declined to address the court when asked, saying he would let his lawyer speak on his behalf.

A joint submission from Crown and defence lawyers asked Justice Beverly Brownefor the mandatory minimum sentence, along with 12 months probation.

Taptuna'slawyer,Marie-Jose Lafleur,requested Taptuna serve his sentence in Kugluktuk, where he has family and has spent his time living since the trial in June.

She said he was very remorseful towards both the victim and her family and his own.

Taptuna is the son of the premier of Nunavut, Peter Taptuna.

"This is a very difficult situation for all involved," reads a statement from the premier's chief of public affairs."[The] Premier continues to request privacy on this matter. There will be no further comment."

'Alcohol will ruin your life'

During the trial in June, Taptuna admitted to drinking heavily before he touched the girl while she was sleeping.

"I'm afraid alcohol will ruin your life," Justice Browne said during her sentencing.

"You've got lots of potential to do something useful," she said, before encouraging Taptuna to make a commitment to never drink again.

"Yourlife will be better."