Peter Nygard sentencing for Toronto sexual assault convictions delayed

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Convicted rapist Peter Nygard was supposed to learn his fate Friday morning — but his sentencing has been put off for a month.

Nygard, 83, appeared virtually from his hospital bed at the Toronto South Detention Centre as the Crown told Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein that they are requesting an adjournment to Sept. 9 because prosecutor Neville Golwalla is away.

Goldstein, who has repeatedly complained about the delays in sentencing the disgraced business titan, agreed to the postponement but warned “it will happen” in person on that day — and Nygard will be there.

Nygard was convicted by a jury last fall of four sex assault charges after his accusers described how he used his wealth and power to lure them to tour his downtown office building and then attacked them in his private bedroom suite. He was acquitted of a fifth count as well as one of forcible confinement.

Nygard’s sentencing has been delayed repeatedly after two lawyers — both trial lawyer Brian Greenspan and then Megan Savard quit over their difficult client.

His third lawyer was seeking a six-year sentence while prosecutors have asked for 15 years.

Nygard also faces charges in Manitoba and Quebec and is awaiting extradition to the United States.