Graham James has pleaded guilty to the latest charge of sexually assaulting a player he used to coach with the Swift Current Broncos.
From the Calgary Sun:
James, appearing in Swift Current Court of Queen’s Bench via closed-circuit TV, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the then-teen hockey player in the early 1990s.
James is currently serving out a five-year penitentiary term for sexually assaulting former Calgary Flames star Theoren Fleury and his cousin Todd Holt, a standout player with the Swift Current Broncos between 1989 and 1994.
From the Associated Press:
The government and the defense are presenting a joint request that two years be added onto the five-year sentence he is almost finished serving on other charges. It is the third time James has faced sex charges involving players he coached.
Two of James’ former victims, Todd Holt and Sheldon Kennedy, were reportedly in court to support the latest accuser, whose identity has not been publicized.
Former player felt forced to engage in sexual contact with Graham James. "He knew Mr. James held his hockey career in his hands."
— Kevin Martin (@KMartinCourts) June 19, 2015
"I suffered in silence the abuse that Graham James inflicted on me," latest victim of the disgraced coach says in court statement.
— Kevin Martin (@KMartinCourts) June 19, 2015
The judge has adjourned court to decide whether to accept the joint sentencing request.
Update:
Swift Current judge accepts joint submission and sentences Graham James to an additional 2 years for sexually abusing a former player.
— Kevin Martin (@KMartinCourts) June 19, 2015