Monday, August 18, 2014

Hockey coach Kelly Jones gets 8 1/2 years for abusing children

A victim professed his love for his abuser in court Monday before the disgraced coach and Scout leader was sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison for sexually assaulting 11 children between 1971 and 1997.

In an unusual move, victim Robin McMillan read a second victim impact statement before Kelly Jones, 58, was given a prison sentence that amounts to eight years behind bars after he was given credit for time served.

McMillan told court Monday about what he described as a loving relationship with his abuser, which was something he said took a very long time to admit.

“I was only 10 years old but make no mistake I loved him very much. I love him still,” said McMillan, who is one of three victims who had the publication ban on their names removed. “That love was and is very real. I know how hard that is to hear.”

Despite his love for Jones, McMillan said the court proceedings forced him to re-live the “toxic” experiences, some of which he had not yet faced. McMillan also called the abuse he suffered and its aftermath “horrific,” but said he has forgiven Jones.  (more...)


No comments:

Post a Comment