Witness says abuse has left him a 'loner'

Cornwall Standard Freeholder 

Terri Saunders

Friday, June 29, 2007 - 08:00

Local News - Ron Leroux said the sexual abuse he allegedly suffered as a young person has greatly damaged his ability to lead a normal life.

Leroux told the Cornwall Public Inquiry Thursday he can't trust anyone in authority and harbours animosity towards many public institutions.

"(I have) a loss of trust in the church, a loss of trust in police, a loss of trust of people in authority," said Leroux. "I have anger towards public institutions for doing nothing."

Leroux has admitted while on the stand at the inquiry he made false statements about prominent men having sexually assaulted young boys and wishes he could go back in time to do things differently.

"I take responsibility for my actions," he said. "If I could change the past, I would, but I can't. I'm doing this to set the record straight today."

Leroux said he has always felt alone, feels as if he lost his childhood and chances for an education and claims to live in isolation, referring to himself as "a loner."

He said he felt used and manipulated by former city cop Perry Dunlop when it came to providing Dunlop with statements about child sexual abuse he had claimed to have either witnessed or had some knowledge about.

"I felt pressured by Perry Dunlop to help him," said Leroux. "I tried to resist at first, but he kept at me. (He) told me I was important."

Leroux said while there was a time when he trusted Dunlop and was willing to join him in a crusade to "protect children," he now feels as if he has been left behind by the former cop.

"I feel abandoned," said Leroux. "He left me alone to face this mess."

Lead commission counsel Peter Engelmann suggested to Leroux Thursday he has never personally witnessed any criminal acts being carried out by a group of prominent area men against children.

"You didn't have any knowledge of any of these men being engaged in sexual improprieties with people under the age of 18," Engelmann said.

"That's correct," said Leroux.

"You know it can cause harm to person to be described as a pedophile," said Engelmann.

"Yes," said Leroux.

The inquiry continues today when it's expected the commission will view videotapes and listen to audiotapes of statements Leroux has given in the past to Dunlop and police investigators.