Figure skating coach Matthew Power sentenced to 6 years for sex crimes against young skaters

WARNING: This story contains content that refers to sexual violence and suicide.

A former St. John's-area figure skating coach who preyed on two of his teenage skaters has been sentenced to six years in prison.

In Supreme Court on Tuesday, Matthew Power, 30, learned how much time he'd spend behind bars for several charges related to the sexual relationships he forced onto minors while employed as a Skate Canada coach.

Power was a head figure skating coach at the time he sexually abused the two victims between 2016 and 2020, when the girls were between the ages of 13 and 16.

He was found guilty in November of eight crimes, including sexual assault and sexual interference, for the multiple instances of sexual contact with his first victim, including at the rink where they both trained.

He was also found guilty of several charges related to explicit sexual material after the second complainant saved Snapchat messages that Power had sent to her, some of which contained lewd messages referring to oral sex. 

Tuesday's sentencing saw several of those charges stayed, however, due to a piece of law called the Kienapple principle, which prevents multiple convictions for the same crime.

Justice Valerie Marshall entered convictions on four of the original 10 counts Power was charged with, sentencing him for one count of sexual interference and three counts of luring.

Power attended Tuesday's hearing by video. In addition to six years in prison, he was also ordered not to hold any position of authority or trust over a minor for 10 years once he's released, and can't use the internet unless he refrains from using social media to communicate with people under 16.

Power's crimes have long-lasting impact

Marshall heard from one of the complainants herself — and the other complainant's mother — in February, as the justice weighed her sentencing decision.

Both told the court they were left traumatized and housebound after Power's years of predatory behaviour, with his first victim describing enduring nightmares, panic attacks and an inability to withstand physical touch, even from family members.

His second victim, according to her mother, attempted suicide.

Despite the toll of his crimes, Marshall's decision noted she had received approximately 30 letters from friends, colleagues and members of the skating community attesting to Power's character, saying the convicted coach had "significant emotional and social support."

Power's lawyer, Rosellen Sullivan, "pointed out that the letters were provided even though the authors of the letters would have been aware of the court's finding of guilt," Marshall wrote.

Power was suspended as a Skate Canada coach in January 2021, just before one of the victim's mothers reported Power to police.

Marshall's decision notes that Power maintains his innocence and therefore has not shown any remorse for his crimes.

She considered his propensity for grooming and position of trust as a coach as aggravating factors in her decision, as well as his use of Snapchat, which she considered a deceitful tactic due to the app's ability to erase messages "in order to avoid detection."

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. ​​If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.

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