Lawyer suggests probation officer’s pre-sentencing report contains errors

KAMLOOPS, B.C. – The lawyer for a female hockey coach who exploited a 15-year-old player in Kamloops, B.C., has suggested a pre-sentencing report contains multiple errors.

Michelle Stanford told B.C. Supreme Court that the mistakes by a probation officer may have resulted from his notes or his poor recollection.

Stanford cited the multiple concussions her client suffered during her career and the impact they may have on her judgment, though she earlier said the woman kept the lengthy relationship a secret because she had not yet come out as gay.

The coach has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation and sexual interference of a person under 16, and court has heard that when the relationship ended the girl sought counselling and told her mother, who called police.

Stanford has called for a three- to six-month sentence, to be served intermittently on weekends, while the Crown has argued for a nine- to 12-month term.

A date for sentencing is expected to be set on Tuesday. (CFJC)