Former Fashion Mogul Peter Nygard Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Sexual Assault Convictions

The former fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been sentenced to 11 years in prison following his sexual assault convictions in Toronto. The sentencing, delivered by Justice Robert Goldstein, reflects credit for time already served, reducing Nygard’s remaining prison term to 6.7 years.

In issuing the sentence, Justice Goldstein characterized Nygard as “a Canadian success story gone very wrong,” declaring him “a sexual predator.” Nygard, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, chose not to address the courtroom when given the chance.

Nygard was convicted of four counts of sexual assault last November, though he was acquitted of a fifth count and a charge of forcible confinement. The charges stem from incidents dating back to the 1980s through the mid-2000s, with multiple women accusing Nygard of sexually assaulting them at his company’s headquarters in Toronto.

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The Crown had sought a 15-year sentence, while Nygard’s defense argued for a six-year term, citing his advanced age and poor health. However, Justice Goldstein dismissed the argument for a lighter sentence, noting that Nygard had received special treatment in custody due to his health issues. The judge also suggested that Nygard might have exaggerated his health problems in his submissions.

Among the aggravating factors highlighted by the judge was that one of the victims was only 16 years old at the time of the assault.

Nygard’s lawyer argued that a lengthy sentence would be “crushing” for her client, who suffers from Type 2 diabetes and deteriorating vision, among other health issues.

Nygard, who founded his fashion company in Winnipeg in 1967, saw it grow into Nygard International, producing women’s clothing under various brand names with corporate facilities in both Canada and the U.S.

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In addition to his Toronto convictions, Nygard faces charges in Quebec, Manitoba, and the United States. He was first arrested in Winnipeg in 2020 under the Extradition Act after being charged in New York with nine counts, including sex trafficking and racketeering.

Earlier this year, Manitoba’s highest court dismissed Nygard’s application for a judicial review of his extradition order, affirming the order issued by then-justice minister David Lametti. Nygard has denied all allegations against him, and the criminal charges in Quebec, Manitoba, and the U.S. have yet to be tested in court.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 9, 2024.