Judge delays sentencing for hockey coach convicted of sexually assaulting player

Sentencing for a former youth hockey coach guilty of repeatedly sexually abusing one of her players for more than a year has been delayed a second time.

Madison Biluk pleaded guilty last year to one count each of sexual assault and luring and was expected to be sentenced Thursday morning to six years in prison.

A scheduled sentencing Jan. 8 was adjourned to allow Biluk to undergo surgery to her elbow. But on Thursday, sentencing was adjourned a second time after Biluk’s lawyers argued she needed more time to recover before going into custody, noting she was unable to put her arm behind her back to be handcuffed.

“It’s an inconvenience to everyone, I accept that,” said defence lawyer Saul Simmonds. “No one is asking the court to reconsider the sentence.”

Biluk, 30, was joined in court by more than a dozen supporters.

Crown attorney Larissa Campbell opposed the adjournment, saying Biluk was trying to “forestall the inevitable.”

“There are many people (in custody) dealing with medical issues” she said. “The reality is day in, day out people are sentenced for offences while not being in perfect physical shape.”

Judge Jerilee Ryle agreed to adjourn sentencing to May 11, saying Biluk was not trying to delay the entering of guilty pleas or spend her whole recovery period in the community.

“I am mindful that justice delayed is justice denied, however I note that guilty pleas have been entered, sentencing submissions have been made and counsel have jointly recommended a sentence,” Ryle said.

Biluk’s crimes included repeated sex acts, sexualized text messages and taking nude pictures and videos of the victim when she was between the ages of 15 and 16.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca