04 October 2008

Posted By MEGAN HARRISON 

PerryDunlop is going home.

While the Standard-Freeholder has confirmed he is set to be released from the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre today, Dunlop's wife is keeping mum on the whole occasion.

Helen Dunlop, who has previously organized public rallies and town hall meetings to draw attention and create support for her husband, refused to comment on the fact that he will be gaining his freedom after spending more than six months in jail for a criminal contempt of court charge.

"This is a private family matter, I have nothing to say to you," she said abruptly before hanging up the phone when the Standard-Freeholder reached her Friday afternoon.

But Dunlop's daughter Marlee, 18, said she can't wait to see her dad.

"The entire community is just waiting for him to come home and me and my girlfriends are making signs," his daughter Marlee Dunlop, said. "It's going to be a riot when he gets back."

Dunlop was arrested in March after he disregarded a court order to appear at the Cornwall Public Inquiry, which is looking into the institutional response to allegations of a sex abuse ring that allegedly involved police officers, priests, and civic leaders.

Dunlop conducted his own investigation into the alleged ring in the early 1990s. Eventually the OPP laid 114 charges against 15 men. Only one was ever convicted, and police claimed they found no evidence of a pedophile ring.

The former officer has said repeatedly that he has lost faith in the Cornwall Police Service and the provincial justice system, which is why he left the city and refused to testify at the inquiry. Others surrounding the Dunlops also offered few details about Perry's release.

When reached by phone, Sylvie MacEachern, who runs a website and blog dedicated to the inquiry, would say only today will be "a quiet reunion" between the couple, and that she wouldn't be going with Helen to the detention centre.

On her blog MacEachern also makes mention of the fact that "there will be a time for those who want to shake Perry's hand or give him a hug . . . (but) for now, it's Perry and Helen."

When asked about the statement, MacEachern claims she meant it in a general sense, saying: "I know he does want to see people, and talk to those who have supported him," but that there is currently no event planned.

"It's way, way overdue," Dunlop's brother-in-law Carson Chisholm, who lives in St. Andrews West, said of the release.

"(He) never should have been put in, obviously."

(With CP files)

Comments on this Article.

This is the WORST reporting I have ever seen!!!

Is it any wonder the Dunlops refuse to talk to the Freeholder???

Can't get the scoop from the source - so they swipe statements and comments from one of their young daughters and off a BLOG.

I expected the Freeholder to stoop to try and be the first with the story - well you missed the mark!!!

He's FREE - walked out without the cameras rolling or a throng of reporters...GOOD ON THE DUNLOPS!!! 

Here's the link to assist....
http://www.theinquiry.ca/ForTheRecord.hide.php 

To Heather with the angelic smile....your son is free!!!Watching you watching and touching him last night has taught me a new meaning of love. 

To Helen with the radiant glow....your man is free!!! Watching you watching and touching him last night has taught me a deeper meaning of love, life and sacrifice. 

To Heather, Marlee and Monica....your Dad is free!!! My deepest gratitude to you beautiful young angels. Treasure him!!! 

To Perry....YOU ARE FREE!!! Go home and fish, hammer and hunt. How do I put into words what you have done for me? I suppose the easiest way is to say to the detractors....re-read this blog and weep. "Let down the victims"? You have taken the hits to protect us, you have sat in silence so that we can be heard and you never wavered in your conviction. I am honoured and privilidged to have hugged you last night. You have taught me a deeper meaning of love, life, strength and character. 

John Mac Donald  

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #7 By jules10003,   

Funny no comment from our local protectors of the accused or the church come on now you must have something to say about this. Any former altar boys that were not molested by pedophiles please raise your hand and have your say so that we can all feel sad for your poor souls for protecting and defending people that were corrupt and guilty as hell. You can't blame Perry Dunlop anymore nor punish him anymore for bringing the truth to light so who will you blame now? You did a great job Perry Dunlop hold your head high and be proud of what you did. God bless you and your family.