An Ottawa resident has been sentenced to 13.5 years in prison for committing a series of serious crimes involving child sexual abuse. Kevan Henshaw, 33, admitted guilt to 22 charges, including sexual interference, making and possessing child sexual abuse material, and more, over a two-year period. The sentencing was carried out by Ontario Court Justice Trevor Brown following a hearing where distressing victim impact statements were presented in court, highlighting the extensive and appalling nature of the crimes.
The victims, who cannot be named due to a publication ban, included boys Henshaw interacted with during his work as an educational assistant and youth justice worker. The offenses ranged from inappropriate behavior at schools to online deception and secret recordings of minors in various compromising situations. The court heard statements from parents and relatives of the victims, shedding light on the devastating effects of the abuse on the boys and their families.
The Crown sought an 18-year prison term, while the defense argued for nine years, emphasizing the severity and complexity of the case. The impact of the crimes was evident in the statements provided by the victims’ families, revealing the lasting trauma and emotional distress caused by Henshaw’s actions. The lack of proper safeguarding measures and institutional failures were also highlighted during the proceedings, underscoring the need for better protection of at-risk youths from potential predators.
Despite the gravity of the offenses, Henshaw expressed remorse and a commitment to rehabilitation during the hearing. He acknowledged the harm caused to the victims and their families and vowed to actively work against the distribution of child pornography. Henshaw’s decision to plead guilty early on and cooperate with authorities was noted by his defense counsel, who argued for a more lenient sentence considering his remorse and willingness to seek help.
The sentencing included provisions for Henshaw’s future, such as lifelong registration as a sex offender, DNA submission to a national database, and restrictions on his activities upon release. The court also recognized the need for ongoing support and monitoring to prevent any potential reoffenses. The judge emphasized the long-lasting impact of Henshaw’s actions on the victims and urged him to take responsibility for his behavior and strive for personal growth and accountability.
