WARNING: This article mentions sexual violence.

Submissions by both the Crown and defence on how long former St. John’s volleyball coach and teacher Markus Hicks should spend in jail marked the end of his six-day sentencing hearing in St. John’s provincial court on Friday.

Crown attorney Mark James asked for 18 to 20 years.

“As a society, we have faith in our teachers and coaches that they have our children’s best interest at heart,” said James.

“Mr. Hicks, when given the opportunity to be in these positions, used it as no more than a hunting ground for his victims.”

James also asked for a DNA order, an order for Hicks to be registered as a sex offender for life, a weapons prohibition, and an order under section 161 of the Criminal Code, which would ban Hicks from various activities, including working with youth.

Hicks, 34, used dozens of social media accounts to lure young men to his home and sexually assault them.

At the end of June, Hicks pleaded guilty to 54 charges, including 13 counts of sexual assault, six counts of luring a child, using a disguise, possessing and accessing child pornography, sexual exploitation and breach of trust.

Police started investigating Hicks in August 2023 after a man reported that his son’s friend had accepted offers for oral sex through the messaging app Snapchat, at the address of Hicks’s Paradise home.

According to the agreed statement of facts, over 34,000 photos and 11,400 videos showing potential child sexual abuse were found on devices in Hicks’ home.

Those who came forward about their experiences with Hicks are protected by a publication ban and can’t be named, but many of them were students or people who trusted Hicks, who was in a position of power as a teacher, volleyball coach and referee.

Moderate to high likelihood to reoffend: Crown

In his submission, James repeatedly spoke about Hicks abusing these positions.

“Mr. Hicks manipulated the victims of his sexual crimes,” he said, calling Hicks a prolific offender.

“This is not something that happened one night by accident. It’s a highly sophisticated long-term offence.”

WATCH | Sentencing hearing for Markus Hicks concludes with lawyer submissions on jail time:

Sentencing hearing for Markus Hicks concludes with lawyer submissions on jail time

While the Crown asked for 18 to 20 years for former St. John’s volleyball coach and teacher Markus Hicks, the defence sought a sentence of roughly half that length. Hicks has pleaded guilty to 54 charges, including sexual assault and luring a child. CBC’s Henrike Wilhelm reports.

James also referred to the pre-sentencing report, which he said shows a moderate to high likelihood for Hicks to sexually reoffend, as well as a lack of remorse and understanding of the impact of the crimes.

Five victims and three family members provided victim impact statements over the course of the sentencing hearing, which started on Nov. 12, 2025.

The defence asked for nine-and-a-half to 12 years of jail time for Hicks, evaluating his risk to reoffend as “very low.”

“Our colleagues are asking for 18 to 20. We think that’s a crushing sentence,” said lawyer Jason Edwards, adding that the defence’s submission seemed more appropriate.

“By any definition, that is still an incredibly lengthy sentence. Mr. Hicks is going to be spending a considerable period of time in jail, and when he does emerge from jail, he’s going to be emerging in an entirely new chapter of his life.”

Edwards said entering guilty pleas to save both victims and family members from having to testify and relive “what must have been a terrible experience for them” showed that Hicks was taking responsibility.

High sentence increases risk of recidivism, says defence

Edwards also argued that Hicks didn’t actively use his position as a teacher and coach as a lever to manipulate his victims, adding that he understands the harm he caused and feels remorse.

The defence said that being a first-time offender, and having participated in a number of activities while in custody — such as teaching, tutoring, and programming for anger management and sexual assault — Hicks’s prospects of rehabilitation are high.

“He will never, ever be in a position of trust again, but there is still a path forward for him to make a meaningful contribution to society,” said Edwards.

“The idea is not to take this man and lock him away forever and have him absolutely crushed. That does not accomplish anything because when he comes out, he is going to be a problem again.”

Hicks, who appeared by video from the Bishop’s Falls Correctional Centre, had the final words.

“I understand that my victims have experienced trauma because of me,” he said.

“I cannot take back the actions that I have made, but I really hope you’re able to move on from this experience and live healthy and successful lives.”

He added that he’s fully responsible for what happened.

“I do not want any of you to think that it was your fault,” Hicks said.

According to police, there are as many as 35 complainants, some as young as age 12 at the time the offences occurred.

The case is expected to be back in court on March 23 for the judge’s decision on sentencing.

If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. For support in your area, you can look for crisis lines and local services via the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.

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