City lawyer decides not to return to inquiry

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

28 February 2008

Posted By Trevor Pritchard

A city lawyer who felt he was treated unfairly at the Cornwall Public Inquiry last November has turned down an opportunity to return to the stand.

Sean Adams had been seeking another chance to answer questions about his involvement in a $32,000 settlement between an alleged sexual abuse victim and the Alexandria-Cornwall Roman Catholic Diocese.

In December, Gordon Cameron, one of Adams' attorneys, filed a motion with the commission that stated questions posed by lead counsel Peter Engelmann had done "irreparable harm" to his client's reputation.

In response, the inquiry gave Adams, also a well-known local philanthropist, another chance to testify this month.

Adams had originally been scheduled to return on Feb. 14. When that didn't work out, Adams' appearance was rescheduled for either Monday or Tuesday.

On Monday, commission staff received word that Adams had changed his mind about testifying.

"We were somewhat surprised that he didn't follow through," Engelmann said yesterday. "But it's his decision."

Adams' lawyers gave no reason for their client's about-face, Engelmann added.

One of those lawyers, Ronald McClelland, said he couldn't discuss the matter without his Adams' permission.

Neither Adams nor Cameron returned phone calls Wednesday.

Adams acted briefly for David Silmser - the man who received the $32,000 payout in 1993 - and provided him with independent legal advice.

In December, he was granted limited standing at the inquiry so his lawyers could question or cross-examine any witness who gave evidence against him.