A Summerland man has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation.
Joshua James Roberts was initially charged on Dec. 10, 2014 with sexual exploitation, invitation to touching, possession of child pornography, child luring via the internet and assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm.
Roberts took the stand at the Penticton courthouse on March 23 and pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation.
The case will proceed summarily, and according to defence council Tyrone Duerr, the rest of the charges are expected to be stayed when Roberts returns to court May 27. Roberts will also be subject to a psychiatric assessment that is intended to address his risk of reoffending and explore treatment options.
The initial charge of sexual exploitation was amended to considerably narrow the timeline of the offence.
The alleged incidents involving a person under the age of 18, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, were initially said to have occurred between March 1, 2011 and Sept. 1 2013. The amended charge reduced that timeline to between Sept. 15, 2012 and Aug. 15, 2013.
Roberts was released on a recognizance since his appearance in Penticton provincial court Dec. 10, 2014. He was released under the condition that he will not possess any electronic devices for communication and cannot be in the company of anyone under the age of 18 without supervision.
