Police seek more victims after coach charged
Man alleges abuse dating to 1970s; police say there may be more victims
Victoria police Sgt. Kristi Ross of Special Victims Unit speaks at a press conference Wednesday about the arrest of former badminton coach Harry Charles Sadd, seen in photos in 1992 and today. Sadd, 70, faces charges of indecent assault on a male and one count of sexual assault relating to a boy in the 1970s. Police believe there are more possible victims.
The Victoria police are looking for more victims after making an arrest in connection with sexual assaults on a boy dating back to the late 1970s.
The arrest of 70-year-old Harry Charles Sadd was made when a man, who was the alleged victim of a number of incidents as a child and teenager, came forward to police “after years of struggling with what happened to him,” said Victoria police Sgt. Kristi Ross of the Special Victims Unit.
She said the man, now in his early 50s, was inspired by former NHL players Theo Fleury and Sheldon Kennedy, both of whom shared their stories of sexual assault at the hand of adults they trusted. The man reported assaults that started when he was about nine and continued into his late teens.
Ross said she was impressed by the man’s bravery in talking to police.
“It’s been a very difficult path for him,” she said.
Police believe there may be others like him, she said, and it is hoped they will make contact.
“All victims of sexual assault deserve to be heard,” she said. “We will believe you.”
Sadd was a youth badminton coach in the Greater Victoria area in the 1970s and 1980s, Ross said. Before that, he was a teacher in Alberta.
The alleged victim who came forward had Sadd as a badminton coach, Ross said.
“We also have reason to believe [Sadd] may have involved in other youth-centred organizations during the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s,” she said.
“Our investigation indicates that there are likely victims in multiple provinces.”
Local investigators are looking for help from other jurisdictions, Ross said.
“We are reaching out to police departments across British Columbia and Alberta to help with our investigation.”
Ross said it is important to delve into allegations of the type being examined.
“I think it’s in the public interest for us to really understand the scope and depth of what’s gone on here, or any other historical sexual abuse that’s happened to anybody,” she said.
“I think it’s something that we need to be aware of and we can also help those victims because there’s a lot of support out there we can connect them with, which is just as important as going through the criminal-justice system.”
She said the Men’s Trauma Centre partners with police and is a good resource for men who need assistance regarding abuse.
Sadd, who is retired and lives alone, is facing three counts of indecent assault on a male and one count of sexual assault. He has been released on strict conditions and must stay away from places where children might be present, such as playgrounds, swimming pools, community centres and schools.
Ross said parents and caregivers can now be aware of his presence in the area and can take steps such as talking to their children about their safety.
“Help them know that they can tell you anything, and that you will love them and support them and believe them.”
Police have not released any further details on Sadd’s whereabouts.
Ross said anyone who sees Sadd violating his release conditions should call 911.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Victoria police at 250-995-7654, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Men’s Trauma Centre at 250-381-6367.