CALGARY- A disgraced hockey coach’s victims say they’re relieved, after a decision by Manitoba’s highest court to bump Graham James’ sentence from two to five years.
Last year, James was convicted of sexually abusing young players, including former Calgary Flames Theoren Fleury and Sheldon Kennedy. The crown prosecutor argued the trial judge made a mistake in applying a prior conviction and sentence.
“I think today we took a real step forward, that the judicial system is listening and starting to believe the stats we’re talking about,” said Fleury.
His cousin, Todd Holt-also a victim-says he was happy the judge ruled in favour of a longer sentence.
“It’s a small victory and it proves to a lot of the victims that are still out there suffering that we are being heard,” Holt said.
Back in 1997, James was convicted in three cases of sexual assault. Kennedy was one of those victims.
“Today is a huge day, that the courts have recognized that Graham has inflicted a lot of pain and trauma on individuals, and he’s paying the price,” he said. “This is going to set the bar moving forward.”
The announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s charity game in Swift Current, Saskatchewan-the site of the abuse. Both Kennedy and Holt will be playing.
“For us to get this news and go back, it’s like we’re taking some wind back with us,” said Holt.
The men maintain that going forward, the focus must remain on assisting victims, allowing them to come forward and get justice.
Despite the increased sentence, James will still be eligible to apply for full parole this fall.
With files from Reid Fiest
Follow @Tamara_Elliott
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