The Man Who Asked to be Kicked in the Groin

Man who asked to be kicked in groin gets jail

A man who claimed to be acting out of "curiosity" when he asked seven different women to kick him in the groin was sentenced yesterday to 60 days in jail.

"I cannot be satisfied that you do not presently pose a risk to the community," Justice Bruce Frazer told 28-year-old Jarrett Loft, who had pleaded guilty to one count of mischief to property.

The judge allowed Loft to serve his sentence on weekends so he does not lose his machinist job.

Court had heard on seven different occasions last April and May Loft approached women using trails in city parks and asked them to kick him in the groin.

One of the women, afraid of what the man might do if she refused, kicked him repeatedly.

Loft, an Oshawa native who moved to Guelph several years ago, thanked her and left on his bike.

Yesterday, Frazer appeared frustrated a presentencing report offered little insight into what motivated the crimes.

"It's remarkable for what it doesn't say," the judge said.

Frazer was also concerned with a notation in the report that Loft had taken counselling several years ago and did not feel he needed any more. Jacqueline Coady, Loft's common-law spouse, told the court she is at a loss to explain the man's conduct.

"I can honestly say I find it as odd and peculiar and disturbing as everyone else," said Coady, who was eight months pregnant with the couple's daughter at the time of Loft's arrest.

Coady said Loft told her he developed a "curiosity" after looking at various pornographic websites. She said she had spoken to a counsellor who assessed the man and believed his conduct was a result of curiosity rather than a mental health issue.

Defence counsel Richard Gazzola asked the judge to impose probation with a counselling term.

Assistant Crown attorney Murray deVos suggested a brief jail sentence, calling the crimes "predatory, planned behaviour" in which Loft specifically targeted women who were alone and isolated.

The judge agreed the man's conduct was "disturbing, frightening and has . . . left a lasting impression on the victims."

In a series of victim impact statements, the women describe being disturbed by their encounters with Loft and hesitant to use public parks.

Following the jail sentence Loft will be on probation for two years, during which he must get counselling, not access the Internet and stay away from parks, schoolyards and playgrounds unless with someone approved by his probation officer.