Harry Charles Sadd arrested for string of sexual assaults on children during 1970s

A 70-year-old man has been arrested in Victoria for a series of sexual assaults that took place back in the 1970s.

Harry Charles Sadd of Victoria allegedly assaulted young boys and teens while working as a youth badminton coach over 40 years ago. He has a history of prior convictions for sexual assaulting children, but is being arrested again now after a past victim came forward to police recently.

Victoria Police now believe there are other victims in the Greater Victoria area who have not yet disclosed their abuse to authorities.

“All victims of sexual assault deserve to be heard,” Special Victim Unit’s Sgt. Kristi Ross said. “Our investigation tells us that there are likely others out there who have been hurt by this man. Harry Sadd’s actions have left these victims to carry the burden of what he has done their entire lives, often suffering in silence. They no longer have to suffer. We will listen. We will believe you.”

Sadd now faces three counts of indecent assault by a male on a male person, and one count of sexual assault. Police say those accused of historical offences, like Sadd, are charged based on the Criminal Code at the time of which the offence occurred.

Because of Sadd’s past work history as a teacher in Alberta and other provinces, police believe there are likely other victims across the country.

Police want to hear from any of Sadd’s past victims and have released two photos of the man, one from 1992 and one from 2016. Other pictures pulled from his public Facebook profile show he has dressed up as Santa Claus in the past.

If anyone believes they were one of Sadd’s victims, police say they should call the non-emergency line at 250-995-7654 or contact Men’s Trauma Centre at 250-381-6367. Anonymous reports can also be sent to Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.