WATCH: Harry Sadd is facing direct indictment hearing for 23 historic sexual assault charges involving boys dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. Tess van Straaten has the details.
Harry Sadd appeared via video link on Friday morning regarding a direct indictment for historic sexual abuse charges.
The 71-year-old former Greater Victoria badminton coach is facing almost two dozen charges involving 12 different boys who were between the ages of nine and 15 when the alleged abuse occurred in the 1960s and 1970s.
The first charges were laid in August of 2016 after a victim, now in his 50’s, came forward about the alleged abuse. The Victoria Police Department‘s Special Victim’s Unit investigated and made an appeal for more victims to come forward. Since then, 23 charges have been laid.
If a direct indictment is approved, a preliminary hearing would be skipped and Sadd would proceed directly to trial. Direct indictments are uncommon in most court cases, but they are often used in historic cases, especially ones involving assault victims, to speed up the process.
Sadd was approved for bail in October of 2017 but remains in custody as he hasn’t yet raised the required surety.
The case has been adjourned until Feb. 21.
Harry Charles Sadd is accused in a series of historic sexual assaults.
Tess van Straaten
