'Wolf in sheep's clothing': Former Young Canadian staffer Philip Heerema hears victim impact statements

The sexual predation of a former employee of Calgary performance school the Young Canadians left one victim struggling with depression and a university dropout, a Calgary court heard Tuesday.

Philip Heerema was also described as a "skilled hunter" as victim impact statements were read at his sentencing hearing.

The judge has reserved sentencing to Wednesday morning.

Heerema pleaded guilty mid-trial in January to eight teen sex abuse offences, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, child pornography and luring against six victims.

He was employed with The Young Canadians, who perform in the Calgary Stampede grandstand show every year. One offence dates back to 1992, while the others span a nine-year period from 2005 to 2014. 

The identities of the victims are protected under a publication ban.

'Life after Phil'

The mother of one victim read a statement on behalf of her son in a Calgary court on Tuesday, saying Heerema's actions have led to an ongoing battle with depression, anxiety and a struggle to complete basic tasks.

"The part of me that was motivated and ambitious is gone," read the statement, adding that the victim dropped out of university and has been seeking counselling. 

The victim said that as someone who used to consider Heerema "a great friend and mentor," he takes comfort in knowing that, in coming forward four years ago, other young men have been saved. 

In her own victim-impact statement, the mother called Heerema a "skilled hunter" who refined his activities to "zero in on his targets."

She said her entire family's life has been turned upside down, but added her son is working hard to regain a normal life.

"There is life after Phil, which he takes one day at a time," she said.

Heerema 'a proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing': prosecutor

Crown prosecutor Martha O'Connor told court that she and defence lawyer Allan Fay were submitting a joint sentencing recommendation of 10 years. 

Heerema was in a position of power "akin to a principal" and is "a proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing," she said.

"He is a liar, a selfish narcissist and a sexual predator," she said.

 O'Connor said it was clear Heerema's actions over a number of years were planned and deliberate, and that he "selectively lured and groomed" specific children.

Heerema was with the Young Canadians for 36 years, first as a teen performer, then as an employee with the group working in various roles, including costumes, makeup, tour co-ordination, administration, sound engineering and production.

He left at the beginning of the investigation, after he was confronted by fellow employees of the Young Canadians.

'I'm sorry' met with scoffs

Heerema sat in courtroom in a black suit, white, button-up shirt and a tie. He did not react visibly when the victim-impact statements were read but did address court.

Breaking down in tears, he turned to face his victims and their families and said, "I'm sorry."

His apology was met with scoffs from some people in the gallery. 

In his address, Heerema said he failed to set boundaries in his life and is aware of the terrible impacts his actions have had on others.

He said he has a deep sense of remorse and shame for what he's done, and that his bad decisions have left him socially ostracized and unemployable.

Heerema is expected to be sentenced on Wednesday.

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