FILE PHOTO.

(BEN BULMER / iNFOnews.ca)

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This article contains details about sexual assault that could be triggering for some

A Vernon woman sexually assaulted by her hockey coach 20 years ago told the court she was "no longer silenced" as the coach was sentenced to jail.

The victim, who was assaulted when she was a teenager, also told the court in a statement that she fully understood why so few sexual assault victims come forward.

"I could not imagine how difficult this whole process would be, standing here in this courtroom... I did not believe I would make it to this stage because only an unfathomable small percentage of survivors dare disturb the sound of silence," her statement read. "I am no longer silenced."

Today, April 24, at the BC Supreme Court the Crown prosecutor read the victim's statement out as her former hockey coach, Vernon businessman Keith Chase sat in the dock.

"Keith, you abused the power and trust that my family and I had in you for your selfish sexual reasons, you exploited me, a child... what you did showed complete disregard and disrespect to another human being," the statement read. "You will now forever be remembered as a man who sexually abused a 16-year-old girl that he coached."

The powerful victim impact statement comes more than 20 years after Chase, who was 37 years old at the time, sexually assaulted the 16-year-old hockey player when she stayed overnight at his family home the night before a hockey game.

While the teen was in the kitchen, Chase had started kissing her. She went upstairs and got into bed and Chase followed her. He put his hands under her clothes and put his fingers inside her. He later put his tongue on her vagina. He told her not to tell anyone.

"Imagine feeling like you had no power and no voice," the victim's statement read.

"The breach of trust here is particularly significant," Crown prosecutor Margarett Cissell told the court.

The woman – whose name is covered under a publication ban – was good friends with Chase's daughter and her parents were good family friends. Chase had been teaching the girl hockey since she was six years old and it was thought her skill level could take her all the way to play for Team Canada.

However, that all changed after Chase sexually assaulted her.

"Because of you, I lived with a twisted misinformed perception of the male gender. I lost all regard for myself as a female, in control of my own body," the statement said. "I binged drank in the hopes that it would numb me from the reality that I was living. I experimented with recreational drugs for the same reason."

The court heard how the victim received university scholarships to play hockey in the U.S. but dropped out. 

"Because of you, I was robbed of a lifetime of opportunities," the statement read. "I will never again have the opportunity to be the original me."

The woman kept the sexual assault secret for years until 2020 when she confronted Chase and went to the RCMP. 

Chase was charged with sexual assault but pleaded not guilty as the case went to trial.

During the first trial, Chase didn't deny the sexual activity took place but said it was not only consensual but initiated by the victim.

However, Justice Gary Weatherill disagreed saying "silence is not consent" and sentencing Chase to 23 months in jail.

Chase successfully appealed and only saw a few days in jail before being released.

The matter again went to trial for a second time last year, where Justice Sheri Ann Donegan found Chase guilty.

"I had to advocate unbelievably hard for myself to be standing where I am today for a second time," the victim said in her statement.

The court heard how Chase had been married for more than 40 years, had four children, and numerous grandchildren. He'd coached hockey for decades and ran the successful business Chasers Bottle Depot.

His lawyer Bryn Laxton-Coglon highlighted Chase's community and volunteer work and submitted to the court more than 30 character witness statements all supporting him.

The defence lawyer said the sexual assault happened at a time in Chase's life when he was drinking heavily which played a factor in the offence but didn't directly address whether Chase was remorseful.

In addressing the court, Chase spoke at length about how good a person he was and gave little acknowledgment as to the devastating effects of his actions.

"I let something happen that would change my life, as well as have a negative impact on (the victim's) young adult life," Chase said. "To say I'm ashamed is an understatement. And I am deeply sorry."

Chase spoke about the harm done to his family and how the last five years since he was charged, had been tough.

"The strength and love from my wife has been absolutely amazing. And I am forever grateful... she's unbelievable… I can't believe I let her down," he said through tears.

Chase referred to the sexual assault as a "careless moment" that had occurred.

"Although I disagree with the findings of facts about the time frame and the actions that occurred, I am still at fault," he said. 

Justice Donegal said that Chase had a "degree of acceptance" and acknowledged his actions.

"Although I remain unclear if Mr Chase has an understanding of consent," the Justice said.

The judge said his conduct was intentional and deliberate and alcohol wasn’t a defence.

"She was... an innocent, vulnerable, adolescent girl who was sexually assaulted while having a sleepover in the home of her friend, a place where she should have been safe and secure from harm," the Justice said. "This crime, like all sexual crimes, is inherently violent. These crimes can and often do have a crippling effect on the psychological and emotional well-being of the victim."

The Justice said it was a testament to the victim's strength.

"She is here today as an accomplished, confident, professional, strong daughter, woman, wife and mother, not the vulnerable teen who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and fell victim to Mr. Chase," the Justice said. "She's here in spite of the harm done to her by Mr. Chase."

Following a joint recommendation from lawyers Justice Donegal sentenced Chase to 23 months in jail. A sentence she described as "at the very low end."

Chase left the courtroom in handcuffs on the way to jail.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or www.archwaysociety.ca. All programs are easily accessible, free of charge and confidential.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer or call (250) 309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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