Former Spitfire Ben Johnson sentenced to 3 years in prison, appeal planned

CTV Windsor: Ben Johnson sentenced Former Windsor Spitfire Ben Johnson sentenced to three years in prison for sexual assault. Sacha Long has details.

Former Windsor Spitfire Ben Johnson has been sentenced to three years in prison for sexual assault.

Justice Kirk Munroe began sentencing began at 3 p.m. Tuesday.

On Sept. 1, Johnson was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at the former Mynt Nightclub in March of 2013.

“You violated her and injured her physically and mentally," Munroe said in court.

Prior to his sentence, the 22-year-old Johnson addressed the court. He said he feels "terrible for all of those that have been affected." He said he's grown a lot since his hockey days.

The trial lasted 10 days, hearing from 21 total witnesses and 52 exhibits.

As part of the sentence, Johnson must provide a DNA sample and his name will be added to the sex offender registry for 20 years.

The victim’s mother spoke outside the courthouse after the sentencing, stating they will continue to focus on their daughter so she can overcome the incident and the victim shaming that has followed.

Johnson’s lawyer Patrick Ducharme confirmed to CTV News that he will file an appeal of Johnson’s conviction on Wednesday, and possibly his sentence.

CTV’s Sacha Long has details from the courtroom.