Kelly Jones 'deserves the maximum,' says sexual assault victim

A former children's hockey coach who pleaded guilty to dozens of sexual offence charges is "the evil that walks the earth who deserves the maximum sentence," a victim told an Ottawa court at a sentencing hearing Wednesday.

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Kelly Jones pleaded guilty in April to dozens of sexual offence charges relating to victims who were between seven and 15 years old at the time of the abuse.

The Crown argued at his sentencing hearing Wednesday that Jones should spend at least 11 years in prison for his crimes, while the defence argued for 48 months in jail.

Statements from victims were heard at the hearing, including from the female victim, who told Jones "the day you raped me was the most devastating day of my life."

A publication ban protects the names of the victims, but Christopher Line asked that it be lifted in his case. He said he didn't tell anyone about the abuse for years out of fear of Jones, who used to be physically imposing.

"He had me believing he would kill my mother so I pretty much just kept quiet," Line said.

Another victim told the court: "I hate Kelly Jones and always will."

"To this day I still shudder at the thought of seeing him. Kelly Jones really did a number on my life," the victim said.

Jones, 58, apologized in court. 

"I am truly sorry for all the harm I've caused. I'm not that person anymore. I need to move forward," he said.

Assaults took place at Jones's home

Jones pleaded guilty to charges including sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and sexual exploitation of a young male, which dated back decades.

Police first charged Jones in September 2013 for allegations he sexually assaulted a boy who played for a hockey team he coached. The incidents took place at Jones' apartment and, later, at a house Jones purchased.

Then, in October 2013, police laid more than 30 additional charges against Jones, including sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and sexual exploitation and intimidation.

More victims had come forward to police after hearing about the first case in media reports.

The second set of charges related to multiple incidents going back decades, some of which took place at Jones's residence. The victims were minor hockey players, baseball players and boys Jones came into contact with at a grocery store where he worked.

One assault took place during a camping trip in Algonquin Park. Jones invited a boy to go camping with Jones and his son, but when the boy arrived Jones said his son wasn't able to come. Jones then sexually assaulted the boy in a cabin, according to court documents.

Court heard Wednesday that 15 more complainants had come forward to report Jones sexually abused them.

Jones is expected to hear his sentence Aug. 18.