_News Talk 770
3/20/2012
Graham James will spend two years in prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting Theo Fleury and Todd Holt. Judge Catherine Carlson sentenced James to two years on both counts, but they will be served concurrently. Carlson said the offenses were too egregious for just a conditional sentence. She said the prison sentence was not for James's own rehabilitation or deterrence, but for general deterrence to show others such conduct is not tolerated. Shortly after the sentence was handed down, Holt spoke with reporters in Cochrane, on behalf of himself and Fleury. He called a "national travesty" and called up on all Canadians to speak with their MPs about getting changes to the justice system to help sexual abuse victims "get real justice". Holt says he respects the judge did what she could under current laws. He says the saddest part is knowing that there are other people like James out there and Canadians need to "stand up" and not be afraid to speak out against any kind of abuse.

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