Former Woodstock mayor Trevor Birtch has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for two sexual assault convictions, marking a significant downfall from his previous standing, as stated by the judge. The Superior Court Justice Spencer Nicholson handed down the sentences to Birtch, 51, with two concurrent terms: one for four years and eight months and another for six months.
In January 2025, Nicholson convicted Birtch of two counts of sexual assault related to incidents involving the same woman in 2021 and 2022. The maximum sentence for the convictions was six years, with the defense recommending a three and a half-year sentence. Nicholson deemed a sentence at the upper end of the range appropriate, emphasizing that Birtch exploited a vulnerable individual, leveraging his position as mayor.
Describing the victim’s struggles with addiction and Birtch’s frequent use of drugs and alcohol during their relationship, Nicholson criticized Birtch for treating the victim as his possession rather than with dignity and respect. The court learned that Birtch coerced the woman, his on-and-off partner, into a sexual act during a car ride from Turkey Point, and another assault occurred while she was asleep.
As part of his sentence, Birtch agreed to a 10-year ban on weapon possession, a DNA sample submission, and no contact with the victim. Nicholson also recommended drug and alcohol treatment for Birtch during his incarceration. Despite positive references portraying Birtch as hardworking and religious, Nicholson highlighted the stark contrast between Birtch’s public persona and his actions in this case.
This sentencing marks a chapter in Birtch’s ongoing legal issues, as he faces further sentencing on June 16 for separate sexual assault and assault charges to which he pleaded guilty in April. Additionally, Birtch pleaded guilty in February 2025 to impaired driving following a collision in 2023 near Ingersoll.