In a harrowing case that has drawn widespread attention, a man in his late 40s was convicted on Wednesday of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The trial, presided over by Justice Ann Marie Smith, commenced in July and concluded with the jury delivering a guilty verdict after careful deliberation. The assaults took place in December 2021 when the defendant, then 45, was romantically involved with a family friend who was hosting the child for the weekend. Prosecutors revealed that the man entered the girl’s bedroom while she was asleep and touched her, causing her significant distress. He later returned to escalate the assault, and in a separate incident, forcibly removed her from a shower and assaulted her again despite her resistance. The defendant’s request for bail was denied by Justice Smith, and sentencing is scheduled for October 24. This case has underscored the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children and ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes.