Kelowna equestrian coach convicted of child luring and sexual assault
Jury found Sebastian Devrainne guilty of sexual crimes involving former riding student; sentencing set for September.
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A Kelowna equestrian coach has been found guilty of luring a child for sexual purposes, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation. Sebastian Devrainne, originally from France, was convicted in B.C. Supreme Court Monday after a week-long trial before Justice Chan and a jury.
The jury rejected the defence argument that the Crown failed to prove an inappropriate relationship occurred while the complainant was a minor. Crown prosecutors presented text messages exchanged between Devrainne and the victim in 2023, after the complainant had reached adulthood, but argued they showed sexual interactions had occurred during the victim's childhood.
The Crown pointed to messages in which Devrainne discussed the age people lose their virginity. The victim replied "I was 17," to which Devrainne responded "You were 16," with a winking emoji — which Crown contended was Devrainne stating as fact that they had a sexual encounter when the victim was 16. The victim's next message, "Nope, I was 17," further supported the Crown's case.
Additional evidence included a photo Devrainne sent to the victim of her at a riding competition when she was between 15 and 17, with the comment "My god, you were cute," along with a tongue-out emoji. The former student testified she knew her age based on jump heights and division during those years.
Devrainne has not coached or competed since 2023. A pre-sentence and psychiatric report has been ordered. Justice Chan dismissed the Crown's request to revoke bail. Devrainne remains under conditions not to communicate with anyone under 18. His next court appearance is set for September 28.
