Trevor Birtch, the former mayor of Woodstock, Ontario, has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after being convicted of two counts of sexual assault.The assaults, which occurred in 2021 and 2022, involved a woman who struggled with addiction.

Superior Court Justice Spencer Nicholson described Birtch's actions as a “catastrophic fall from grace,” noting that he took advantage of the victim and used his position as mayor to exploit her.

One incident involved forcing the victim to perform a sexual act during a drive from Turkey Point, while other assaults included attacks while she was asleep.In addition to the prison term, Birtch faces a 10-year weapons ban, must provide a DNA sample, and is prohibited from contacting the victim.The judge also recommended access to drug and alcohol treatment during his incarceration.Birtch, 51, was previously elected mayor in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 before losing in 2022.

This sentencing is part of a series of legal issues, including separate sexual assault charges he pleaded guilty to in April, as well as a 2025 impaired driving conviction from a 2023 collision near Ingersoll.

While letters of reference highlighted his former reputation as hardworking and religious, the judge emphasised the stark contrast with his abusive behaviour toward the victim.