‘Depraved’ predator gets 15-year sentence

HALIFAX • A former Halifax-area teacher and hockey coach who sexually abused boys several decades ago was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in prison for what the judge described as a “catalogue of depraved predation.”

Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Jamie Campbell said there was no way to calculate the scope of harm caused to the victims of 67-year-old Michael Patrick McNutt. Campbell noted the victims had battled a range of issues since the assaults, including anger, depression, substance abuse and broken relationships.

“Nothing that happens to Michael McNutt is ever going to restore what he took, fix what he broke, or ease the pain that he inflicted,” Campbell told the courtroom.

“The facts of this case are a catalogue of depraved predation. Michael McNutt was a sexual predator and pedophile.”

McNutt pleaded guilty in

HE’S A CHANGED PERSON, BUT HE’S THE SAME PERSON.

June to 35 sex-related charges in connection to 34 victims who were abused during the 1970s and ’80s. He pleaded guilty to 10 charges of sexual assault, 20 charges of indecent assault and five counts of gross indecency.

The judge said while McNutt had done much in the intervening years to change the direction of his life, he has to live with the consequences of his actions.

“Michael McNutt at 67 is required to pay the high price for the crimes committed by the Michael McNutt of 27 or 37,” Campbell said.

“He’s a changed person, but he’s the same person. His past has come back to haunt him as his past has haunted the victims in this matter for decades.”

Outside court, one of McNutt’s victims, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

“I’m just glad it’s finally coming to an end for a lot of people,” he said.

“I’ve been an emotional wreck for over 30 years. It’s been in and out of my life and it will be and I’m just hoping for some peace now.”

According to the agreed statement of facts, McNutt held a permanent teaching position at Sir Robert Borden Junior High School between 1977 and 1983 but resigned in 1983 after “parental complaints regarding his behaviour with students.”

He resumed teaching in 1985 as a substitute with the Halifax District School Board until police in 1994 received a sexual offence complaint against him.

From 1977 to 1994, McNutt was involved with several minor hockey, baseball and football teams and leagues.

He was also involved with a local church.