Skip to main content

Graham James walks out of a building connected to the Law Courts following his sentencing hearing in Winnipeg, Wednesday, February 22, 2012.Trevor Hagan/THE CANADIAN PRESS

A Manitoba judge has ruled that cameras cannot be allowed into a Winnipeg courtroom Tuesday for the ruling on the sentencing of former hockey coach Graham James.

Judge Catherine Carlson is slated to sentence Mr. James for sexually abusing two former junior players. The crown is seeking six years in jail while Mr. James' lawyer has asked for a conditional discharge. Mr. James has already received a three-and-a-half year sentence for abusing other former players.

A group of media made the unprecedented request to broadcast the hearing last week, arguing the public had a right to see Mr. James. But Mr. James' lawyer, Evan Roitenberg, said any broadcast would violate his privacy. And he argued Mr. James has received repeated death threats.

Judge Carlson agreed and said cameras add little to the administration of justice.

"This case is highly charged enough. It's not going to become a spectacle," she said in making her ruling.

Follow related authors and topics

Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following.

Interact with The Globe