Former Spitfire is sentenced

 

By Mariah Atherley

Ben Johnson, former Windsor spitfire player and  New Jersey Devil Prospect, was convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at a downtown Windsor night club in 2013.

Johnson was sentenced to three years in prison Tuesday. The girl, whose identity is protected by court order was at Mynt nightclub with her older sister on March 17 2013, St. Patrick’s Day. Johnson and the victim were both underage at the time. The victim who is now 20 has filed a $3.95 million dollar lawsuit against Johnson and Mynt nightclub.

Johnson was 18 at the time of the incident. The court said he forced the girl into a bathroom and began to perform sexual intercourse. She was then later found lying on the bathroom  floor, barely conscious.

Judge Kirk Monroe told Johnson, “You violated her and injured her both physically and mentally.”

Johnson is married  with no children. He has played hockey at a high level since the age of 10. Johnson was signed by the NHL team New Jersey Devils and eventually wants to own his own business one day, according to letters sent by family members. He has not had a criminal record prior to this case.

Johnson will be listed as a sex offender for the next 20 years. He is also not allowed to own or possess any weapons and ammunition for 10 years. Johnson was also required to pay a $200 surcharge to the court.

At his sentencing Johnson told the court ” I respect the decision made in court. I feel terrible for all those that have been affected.”

Monroe said he was impressed by the more than 100 character letters written by friends and family for Johnson.

“I don’t find Mr. Johnson a bad person,” said Monroe.

Johnson’s family all gathered before entering the court room saying their goodbyes. It was an emotional moment. Johnson’s wife, Kate, left the court room shortly after Justice Monroe said he was sentencing her husband to three years.