Victims of sex offender skating coach say crimes have left them traumatized, housebound
CBC
Two of the people harmed by Matthew Power's child sexual abuse broke down in tears while telling a St. John's courtroom on Monday they were still reeling from the aftermath of his crimes.
Power, a 30-year-old former figure skating coach, sat emotionless in the Supreme Court dock as one of his victims spoke about having difficulty leaving her home since he abused her, saying the place she once considered her second home — the local skating rink — now fills her with dread and fear.
"As someone who loves physical touch, I now squirm when someone, even a family member, tries to give me a hug," she said, struggling to speak through tears.
Power was convicted of several counts, 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.
The victim went on to describe her nightmares and panic attacks, telling the court she sees Power's face every time she closes her eyes and feels like she can't escape him.
The mother of Power's second victim echoed that trauma. Power was convicted of charges related to sending her daughter lewd Snapchats, which Crown prosecutor Nicole Hurley classified as grooming behaviour.
The victim's mother said she couldn't forgive herself for trusting Power with her daughter. She described the pain of isolation after she reported him to police, saying the skating community turned its back on her, and said severe anxiety, depression and PTSD have left her totally housebound, unable to work and struggling financially.
She said her daughter, Power's second victim, had attempted suicide.
"I had to watch my child not want to live any more," she said. "It feels like I have been given a life sentence."
The women cannot be identified under a publication ban.
Hurley argued that the effects of Power's crimes on the victims and their families, the fact he carried out multiple acts of sexual violence over several years, preyed on children when he was in a position of trust, and has shown no remorse for his actions means Power should see at least seven years behind bars.
Defence attorney Rosellen Sullivan asked the judge for a sentence of four to 4½ years, pointing to a pre-sentence report that determined he was at low risk to offend.
Sullivan also summarized a collection of character references written by Power's family, friends, current partner and members of the skating community.
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