JUSTICE WATCH: Judge McKenzie gives name-changing child predator 15 years
The father of Ryan Knight's most recent victim said he believes preventing offenders from changing their names could have protected his child.
A repeat child sex offender who changed his name before abusing another boy has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by Manitoba provincial court Judge Kael McKenzie.
According to the Winnipeg Free Press, Ryan Knight pleaded guilty to sexual interference and making child sexual abuse material.
Born Ryan Gabourie, he received seven years in prison in 2005 for molesting five boys. He legally changed his name in 2021.
The latest victim’s father hired Knight for renovations in 2024 after an online search failed to uncover his convictions. Knight subsequently repeatedly sexually abused his 13-year-old son.
The father told the court he believes preventing offenders from changing their names could have protected his child.
Reporting on the case prompted Manitoba to accelerate legislation requiring criminal record checks for name-change applications.
McKenzie accepted a joint sentencing recommendation from prosecutors and defence counsel. Credit for custody already served leaves Knight with just over 13 years remaining.
The judge also imposed lifetime sex-offender registration and barred contact with the victim and his family.
Sheila Gunn Reid
Chief Reporter
Sheila Gunn Reid is the Editor-in-Chief, Alberta Bureau Chief, member of the board of directors, and host of The Gunn Show at Rebel News. Sheila also serves as President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada. A mother of three and longtime conservative activist, Sheila is the author of bestselling books, including her most recent release, Independence Blueprint: What Alberta Can Learn From Quebec.
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