Judge Adrian Brooks reserved his decision Wednesday in the sentencing of Harry Charles Sadd, a former youth badminton coach who has pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual assault involving six boys from 1970 to 1985.
His ruling could be handed down in the first week of March.
Crown prosecutors said a prison sentence of at least 10 years is in order for the 74-year-old Sadd, while defence lawyer Chris Considine called for a sentence of two years less a day, followed by three years of probation.
The Victoria provincial court heard three victim-impact statements Tuesday, one of them read aloud by the man who wrote it. He said he was 11 years old and Sadd was an adult, in a position of power over him, when they met at church.
The man said he wanted to help others like him by stepping forward.
“I am here today to support my brothers, who need a voice.”
Another statement talked about Sadd’s abuse causing lack of confidence and trust, and “strong feelings of self shame.”
Considine said Wednesday that treatment has meant Sadd has not offended for about 30 years. Sadd’s treatment included electroshock, drugs, and both group and individual therapy.
Considine said Sadd has been deemed a low risk to reoffend, and the progress he has made has been “extraordinary.”
“There is no indication he is a danger to society now,” Considine said.
“He is 74. He does have health issues for which he does have medication now.”
Crown prosecutor Leslie Baskerville said she disagrees with the defence characterization of the significance of Sadd’s apparent control of his urges. She said that Sadd lacks “remorse or insight” into what he has done.
A report on Sadd said he maintains that he never forced sex on anyone, and that the boys involved were mentally and physically able to make their own decisions.
Outside court, Sgt. Jan Malinosky of the Victoria Police Department’s Special Victims Unit praised the victims for coming forward and talking about what happened.
Victims attended both days of the two-day hearing.
