The trial of a former Vernon hockey coach accused of sexual assault is currently underway in court. The defendant, Keith Chase, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which relate to an alleged incident involving a 16-year-old player on a hockey team he coached in 2004.
Chase, a resident of Coldstream, was initially charged in 2020 and was subsequently convicted in 2022. He was then sentenced to two years in jail in 2023. However, a successful appeal led to a retrial, which is currently ongoing.
During the recent court session at Vernon’s BC Supreme Court, Chase’s lawyer, Richard Fowler, questioned the victim – whose identity is protected by a publication ban. Following this, Crown prosecutor Matthew Blow called the victim’s father to testify.
The victim’s father recounted his daughter’s interactions with Chase, noting that the two girls had participated in ringette and hockey activities together. The alleged assault had occurred the night before a playoff hockey game in 2004. It was disclosed that the victim had previously spent nights at Chase’s residence.
According to the victim’s father, on the evening of the incident, Chase had driven his daughter to the game in Kamloops. After the game, when he was about to drive her home, she began sobbing. This unusual behavior prompted him to delve deeper into the matter.
He described his daughter’s disposition at the time, emphasizing her joyful and spirited nature. He also revealed that she later went on to secure scholarships at U.S. universities, a testament to her talent and potential.
The victim’s father recalled the day in 2008 when his daughter revealed the assault to him and her mother. After hearing her story, he coincidentally encountered Chase, which he described as a surreal experience. Their brief conversation revealed Chase’s dismissive attitude towards the accusations.
However, despite Chase’s reaction, the victim’s father sought to provide comfort to his daughter and ensure she was okay, rather than immediately involving the authorities. It was not until many years later, in February 2020, that the victim reported the incident to the police, having reached a breaking point.
The court adjourned following the hearing, with a follow-up session scheduled in Kamloops on June 10 to determine the next steps in the trial.
The alleged assault and the subsequent legal proceedings have cast a spotlight on the complexities of such cases. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy towards survivors and the significance of seeking justice, while also highlighting the intricacies of the legal process.