by Cheryl Leschasin
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 03/97) - Closure for a sexual assault victim and his family can finally begin after Nelson McClelland, 50, was sentenced Tuesday to four years imprisonment for indecent assault and sexual assault on a young male.

"This was conduct of an insidious nature," said NWT Supreme Court Justice Virginia Schuler while handing down McClelland's sentence.

She reminded McClelland -- a former executive director of Mackenzie Regional Health Services -- that the maximum term of imprisonment for sexual assault is 10 years.

The Crown sought four years imprisonment, while his defence lawyer for a two-year sentence to be served within the community.

"The sentence in this case must express society's view that crimes such as this are reprehensible," said Schuler.

Among the aggravating factors for Schuler were breach of trust, seriousness of abuse, repeat activity, prior conviction and offending while on probation for the same crime.

Mitigating circumstances included the fact that McClelland admitted his guilt from the beginning and that he has been seeking help for his sexual addiction since the spring.

Dr. Ross Wheeler, a psychiatrist, testified last week that McClelland had a sexual addiction, with preferences for young boys.

McClelland received a two-year jail sentence for indecent assault and four years for sexual assault, to be served concurrently. Schuler also made the recommendation that McClelland continue to receive therapy while in prison.

The victim was between 13 and 18 when the offences took place.