Former Winnipeg football coach convicted of sexual assault gets 20 years

A disgraced Winnipeg high school football coach has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting nine students.

Kelsey McKay pleaded guilty to nine counts of sexual assault and two counts of luring last July.

The victims ranged in age from 13 to 18. The assaults all took place during the time McKay was coaching football at Vincent Massey Collegiate and Churchill High School — between 2003 and 2016.

McKay received his sentence inside a packed Winnipeg courtroom Monday afternoon, where he appeared to stare facing forward through the entirety.

Court was told McKay was considered a father figure to the boys and in some cases supplied them with alcohol and pornography.

Provincial court Judge Ray Wyant told McKay that the relationship between students and teachers is both special and enduring.

“You broke that sacred bond of trust,” said Wyant.

“You took advantage of young, vulnerable children for your own self and your own selfish satisfaction.

“Shame on you, Mr. McKay. Shame on you.”

McKay apologized in court in March and said he had betrayed the trust placed in him.

The Crown asked for a 25-year sentence while the defence sought just over 13 years.

–With files from The Canadian Press