jailhouse

The reported mugshot of Graham James taken after his sentencing on March 20th (Photo: Winnipeg Free Press)

Manitoba justice officials have announced that the Crown is appealing the sentence imposed on former Swift Current Broncos coach Graham James.

James was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting former NHL star Theo Fleury and former Bronco Todd Holt. Prosecutors had asked for a six-year sentence.

In filing the appeal, the Crown is arguing that the judge made a mistake by over-emphasizing the significance of prior sentences for similar offences.

The two-year sentence sparked widespread outrage from James' victims and the public. Theo Fleury was quick to react to the news of the appeal notice, posting this statement on his website.

I was just notified that the Crown Prosecutor in Winnipeg is seeking an appeal on the Graham James sentence.

The people of Canada have spoken loud and clear about the biggest and most vile epidemic on the planet to date, that of child sex abuse. The government has apparently heard, and now the Crown Prosecutor in Winnipeg is taking action by seeking to appeal the joke of a sentence Graham James received.

I fully stand by this action, and it is the hope of all victims, survivors, Victors and Advocates, that justice takes a huge leap forward by sentencing pedophiles to years behind bars.

As you know, this has been a trying time for my family and me. This news has helped to bring some light in a very dark area of my life.

I urge all Canadians to keep up the pressure on our politicians and our judges to change the laws and put victims of sexual abuse and assault ahead of the whining and crying of pedophiles and their lawyers.