Canadian fashion magnate Peter Nygard (83) sentenced to prison for sexual assault

Judge: Nygard showed no compassion for his victims

Judge Robert Goldstein said Nygard showed no compassion for his victims, all of whom were attacked in his company's offices. One of the victims was just 16 years old at the time.

Nygard arrived at the courthouse in a wheelchair and did not address the court when he had the opportunity.

After deducting the time already served, his prison sentence will be almost seven years. He can apply for parole in two years.

Nygard's lawyer demanded a 6-year prison sentence, citing his age, health

Nygard's lawyer had asked for a six-year prison sentence due to her client's age and poor health. The prosecution had asked for a 15-year prison sentence.

The judge rejected the request for a reduction in the prison sentence on the grounds that Nygard had received special treatment in prison due to his various health problems.

Nygard's lawyer had previously argued in court that a long prison sentence would be “overwhelming” for her client, who suffers from type 2 diabetes and failing eyesight, among other things.

Nygard's victims said they were invited to his headquarters

During his trial, five women – whose identities are protected by a publication ban – testified that they were invited to Nygard's Toronto headquarters under pretexts ranging from tours to job interviews.

All encounters ended in a top-floor bedroom suite, where four of the women were sexually assaulted.

Several women told the jury similar stories of meeting Nygard on an airplane, on an airport tarmac or in a nightclub and then receiving invitations to his headquarters.