A judge in Sault Ste. Marie has sentenced a southern Ontario man to 18 months in jail for abducting a child in Thessalon nearly three years ago.
Manoj Govindbalunikam was sentenced on April 21 after previously admitting to the offence involving a young boy in 2023.
Justice Michael Varpio said the sentence was intended to send a strong message to both the offender and the broader public, emphasizing denunciation and deterrence.
During earlier proceedings, defence counsel for the former Brampton real estate agent argued the incident stemmed from a cultural misunderstanding and warned that a lengthy sentence could affect his immigration status in Canada.
The judge rejected both submissions, stating the accused had lived in Canada for 12 years and was sufficiently familiar with Canadian social norms. The court also ruled that any possible deportation consequences were not a factor in sentencing.
According to evidence presented in court, the child had been fishing alone near a river when the man approached and said he was a realtor looking for property in the area.
The court heard the boy was persuaded to enter the man’s vehicle after being offered ice cream and a fidget spinner.
The child was not physically injured and was located after his father intervened and contacted police.
Justice Varpio noted there was no evidence before the court establishing sexual intent as part of the abduction.
In addition to the jail sentence, Manoj Govindbalunikam will serve three years of probation after release.
The sentence also includes a non-contact order involving the victim, mandatory DNA collection, a weapons prohibition, and counselling requirements.
The case drew significant public attention in northern Ontario and has renewed discussion around child safety, community vigilance, and the seriousness of offences involving the luring or abduction of minors.