An Iqaluit man was sentenced as an adult Monday for a home invasion and sexual assault with a weapon he committed two months before his 18th birthday.

Justice Neil Sharkey sentenced Samolie (Sam) Lucassie to six years in prison. Lucassie listened through a translation device as Sharkey explained his sentencing decision.

On Oct. 13, 2010, Lucassie broke into a woman's home and sexually assaulted her.

Early in the morning, Lucassie and two others broke into a house across the street from where the victim lived and stole a snow-knife (machete), which they used to pry open the victim's door.

The victim was sleeping with her six-year old son when the three entered her home. Lucassie told the other two boys not to hurt the woman’s son because it could mean a life sentence. She woke up and he was standing by her bed. Lucassie held a machete next to her throat.

The three say they were looking for alcohol and cash. Lucassie was on bail at the time.

The woman, referred to as “AP” says she asked Lucassie if he wanted money and he said no, he just wanted her sex. She says she pretended to not be afraid and suggested they go to the bathroom to protect her son. He then forced her to perform oral sex on him before raping her.

Lucassie was arrested a week later. He told police he knew AP did not want the sexual contact, and told a psychiatrist the event must have been terrifying for her.

Sharkey described the crime as horrific because it caused devastation and lasting harm to the victim and her child. The victim has been traumatized by the events that night and has been unable to work. Her son has lost his sense of security.

Defence lawyer Mandy Sammurtok had asked for another three years in a youth facility and Crown prosecutor Barry McLaren asked for a five- to seven-year sentence.

Sharkey said Lucassie has a long list of youth offences, a dysfunctional home life and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He added while Lucassie has made progress in youth detention, a report shows he's a high risk to re-offend. The judge also said a message of deterrence was needed.

With credit for time served at the youth detention centre, Lucassie has another three years and eight months to serve on his six year sentence. Sharkey directed that Lucassie spend the first two years at the youth centre.

Lucassie will be included on the national sex offenders registry and he is prohibited from having a firearm for 10 years.