(BEN BULMER / iNFOnews.ca)

Crown prosecutors are calling for two to four years in jail for a former Vernon hockey coach who sexually assaulted a 16-year-old hockey player when she slept over at his home before a playoff game roughly 20 years ago.

Well-known Vernon businessman Keith Gordon Grant Chase sat in the Vernon courtroom today, Sept. 9, next to his wife and son, as the Crown argued that he should go to jail for the sexual assault.

The sexual assault took place roughly 20 years ago when Chase was married and in his mid-thirties. The victim was the daughter of close family friends.

“She was a guest in his home, not only was (she) a child in his care, but a guest,” Crown prosecutor Miho Ogi-Harris told the court.

READ MORE: Former Vernon hockey coach found guilty of sexual assault

Chase did not deny that the sexual encounter took place but had argued it was consensual.

Chase had previously argued that he knew it was morally wrong because he was her coach and there was a substantial age difference. But he argued not only did the victim consent but initiated the sexual activity and was a willing participant.

The Justice did not agree and in March Justice Gary Weatherill found Chase guilty of sexual assault and told the court "silence is not consent."

Defence lawyer Nick Jacob argued Chase should do two years of house arrest but still be allowed to go to work. Jacob argued if house arrest wasn't a possibility then nine months jail was appropriate.

Chase owns Chasers Bottle Depot and has been coaching hockey for 30 years and was awarded the SportBC Community Sport Hero Award in 2015 for his service to the game.

Jacob argued this was a one-time incident, was opportunistic, and it occurred at a time in his life when he was drinking heavily.

The defence lawyer read out roughly 20 letters of support from members of the community.

The letters described Chase as a "family man," an excellent hockey coach and having a good character.

"The good character didn't prevent this offence from happening," Ogi-Harris told the court.

Ogi-Harris said that Chase being a "family man" had allowed him access to the victim and created her silence afterwards.

The court had heard previously how the victim had confronted Chase years after the sexual assault, and before she went to the police.

Ogi-Harris said there was no indication that Chase had insight or remorse for the sexual assault.

When asked if he wanted to say anything, Chase stood in the courtroom and said: "I have nothing to say."

Chase will be sentenced at a later date.

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