By Canadian Press

Sentencing hearing for former Edmonton nightclub employee guilty of sex assault

Jul 8, 2020 | 1:12 PM

EDMONTON — Two victims of a former Edmonton nightclub employee convicted of sexual assault say they have had nightmares, thoughts of suicide and anxiety since they were attacked.

Matthew McKnight, who is 33, was accused of sexually assaulting 13 women ranging in age from 17 to 22 between 2010 and 2016.

McKnight pleaded not guilty, but a jury convicted him on five of the 13 counts. 

Two of the women and some of their family members gave victim impact statements at the start of McKnight’s sentencing hearing.

One victim says her bruises have faded but the nightmares will always stay with her, and another says the attack changed her life forever.

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The Crown is asking for a sentence of 22 1/2 years for the assaults.

“These are gravely serious offences and Mr. McKnight’s degree of moral responsibility is high,” said prosecutor Mark Huyser-Wierenga in his opening submission Wednesday.

“He’s a man who has had a privileged upbringing in many ways.”

Huyser-Wierenga said the judge must “denounce and deter” the vile abuse of the five women.

The hearing is set to run until Friday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2020

The Canadian Press