A 48-year-old man received what prosecutors say is Saskatchewan's longest sentence ever for sexual crimes against children when he appeared in provincial court.Richard Dyke was sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges involving 33 victims. Judge Brian Hendrickson also placed Dyke on the sex offender registry for life.The sentence marks the end of a case that began in November 2023. RCMP arrested Dyke at a home-based daycare in Assiniboia after a victim's father reported him to police..The investigation expanded significantly over the following months. RCMP announced 60 additional charges in May 2024, saying they had identified 29 more victims.Crown prosecutor Stephen Yusuff told the court that Dyke's victims ranged in age from just a few months old to 20 years old. Most were boys under 12, though he also victimized girls.Dyke pleaded guilty on May 12 to 10 counts including sexual interference, child pornography, and voyeurism charges. .His lawyer and the Crown presented a joint submission recommending the 17 year sentence.Yusuff noted Dyke's cooperation with authorities and his decision not to force trials on any charges. However, Yusuff emphasized this did not reduce the severity of Dyke's actions.The judge imposed a publication ban preventing the release of any information that could identify the victims. Dyke, who appeared noticeably thinner since his incarceration during his court appearance, will not receive credit for time already served until 14.7 years into his sentence.Dyke was married to a woman who operated the home daycare where his initial arrest occurred.
