Figure skating coach Matthew Power sentenced to 6 years for sex crimes against young skaters
CBC
WARNING: This story contains troubling content
A former St. John's-area figure skating coach who preyed on two of his teenage skaters has been sentenced to six years in prison.
In Supreme Court on Tuesday, Matthew Power, now in his 30s, learned how much time he'd spend behind bars for several charges related to the sexual relationships he forced onto minors while employed as a Skate Canada coach.
Power was a head figure skating coach at the time he sexually abused the two victims between 2016 and 2020.
Justice Valerie Marshall heard from one of the complainants herself — and the other complainant's mother — in February, as the justice weighed her sentencing decision.
Both told the court they were left traumatized and housebound after Power's years of predatory behaviour.
Power was convicted in November of crimes including sexual assault and sexual interference, for the multiple instances of sexual contact with his first victim.
She was between the ages of 14 and 16 when he abused her in various locations, including the rink where he trained her.
He was also found guilty of several charges related to explicit sexual material after the other complainant saved Snapchat messages that Power had sent to her, some of which contained lewd messages referring to oral sex.
That victim was under 16 at the time, while Power was in his late 20s.
He was suspended as a Skate Canada coach in January 2021, just before one of the victim's mothers reported Power to police.
For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.
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