An Ottawa resident who exploited young boys in his care through educational and youth justice roles in the city has been sentenced to 13.5 years in prison for his extensive and appalling crimes, according to a recent court ruling. Kevan Henshaw, 33, had previously admitted guilt to 22 charges related to offenses he committed over a two-year period. These charges included sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching of boys under 16, production and possession of child sexual abuse material. He had faced more than 70 charges the previous year.
The sentence was handed down by Ontario Court Justice Trevor Brown following a sentencing hearing in May, during which emotional victim impact statements were delivered in court. Due to a publication ban protecting them, the identities of the over 30 mentioned victims remain undisclosed.
The impact statements mainly came from parents and relatives of the boys Henshaw interacted with as an educational assistant and through social media. Prosecutors sought an 18-year prison term, while the defense argued for a nine-year sentence.
The victims were divided into four groups: boys from high schools where Henshaw worked, youths he engaged with on social media under false pretenses, boys at a juvenile detention center where he was employed, and unidentified children depicted in abusive material found in his possession.
Parents of the victims described notable changes in their children’s behavior, with some displaying signs of anger and withdrawal. One parent disclosed their own past experience of sexual abuse, highlighting concerns for their child’s well-being. Another parent raised alarm about systemic issues in safeguarding vulnerable youths from predators, citing the need for improved protective measures.
One victim, a former inmate at the detention center, expressed distress over being secretly filmed and interrogated by Henshaw. The emotional toll on the victims and their families was emphasized, with the court acknowledging the long-lasting impact of the crimes.
During the proceedings, Henshaw addressed the court, expressing remorse and committing to rehabilitation. He shared information with authorities and cooperated with the investigation, resulting in a reduced sentence accounting for time served. Henshaw will be subject to lifelong registration as a sex offender and stringent restrictions upon release to ensure community safety.