“Those allegations are lies”

Perry has now spent 108 days in jail – for stepping up to the plate to protect children, and then daring to say he has lost faith in the justice system. This is the institutional response to allegations of childhood sexual abuse.

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Hearings resume at 0930 hours (9:30 am) this morning, Thursday 05 June 2008. Inspector Brendon Wells will continue his testimony. I am going through the transcripts. What a dog’s breakfast! But, extremely important information.

I am amazed and disturbed by the speed with which Wells is being shuttled through. Perhaps that’s the benefit of a failing memory? I recall all too when John Callaghan (Cornwall Police Service) was throwing a minor tizzy fit accusing Charles Bourgeois, Perry’s former lawyer, of suffering from Alzheimer’s. Lots of action from Callaghan yesterday, but, —not a boo about Alzheimer’s!

A word about Wells and the Knights of Columbus.

Commission Counsel Karen Jones asked Wells’ membership with the Knights of Columbus:

MS. JONES: I have a note here that as of 2000 you were a member of the Knights of Columbus at the St. Columban’s Parish. Is that correct?

MR. WELLS: In around that time, yes. I don’t recall the year that I joined.

I would guess that despite failed memory and all Inspector Wells knows he was a member of the KOC well before 2000. Indeed Helen Dunlop told me that Wells invited Perry to join the Knights before this whole filthy mess began – probably back in 1991 or 1992. Wells in fact offered to sponsor Perry!!! Perry declined

Another note on this KOC business which no one seems tuned into at the Weave Shed. Eugene Larocque, alleged sexual predator and the former Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, was an avid champion and member of the Knights of Columbus. It was Larocque who built up the KOC in Cornwall. Those witnesses who are known members of the KOC should be asked how well they knew Larocque.

I really should make a list of all the known and “alleged” Roman Catholic molesters in Cornwall who were/are Knights. It’s a fairly healthy list.

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Inspector Wells has come a long way from the day he saw Perry Dunlop as KOC material. The following is a goodly part of his emotional and sometimes teary closing remarks:

On March the 2nd, 1970 I was sworn in as a constable with the Cornwall Community Police Service and I had fulfilled a dream and that was becoming a police officer. It was an extremely proud moment for both myself and my family and after 39 years as a dedicated and committed member of this Service I’m still extremely proud to serve this community and the people in it.

Over the past number of years it has been suggested that there is only one person who has truly cared for the children in this community and now I am able to publicly state for the record that that suggestion is untrue. Those views were made up by people who, in my opinion, were either misguided or by persons with a perverted personal agenda.

Mr. Commissioner, as you are probably aware, I was sued by Perry Dunlop who alleged that I was part of a conspiracy to derail the investigation involving Charles MacDonald and Ken Seguin. Those allegations are lies and are slanderous of my professional reputation as a police officer, along with my personal reputation as a member of this community. Those false allegations not only hurt me but more importantly than me, my family.

I’m extremely disappointed that Mr. Dunlop will not come forward and explain to my family and I why he felt it necessary, in pursuit of this multi-million dollar claim, to spread such untruths.

I want to at this time thank you, Mr. Commissioner, for the opportunity to be able to say publicly that Mr. Dunlop’s allegations are untrue.

Over the last 15 years, because of ongoing criminal cases, we, as police officers, did not seek out the press and make comments unlike Mr. Dunlop who used the press to cast these aspersions.

Sir, as for the recommendations, I’ve been a police officer for approximately 40 years and I can tell you that policing has certainly changed a great deal over that period of time.

And during my time as a senior officer we have endeavoured to ensure that our members are properly trained; however, as policing develops, more education and practical training is required, and accordingly, my only recommendation to you, sir, is any deficiencies that you might identify or comment on, I would recommend that there be a suggested education plan put into place, for not only our officers but police officers throughout the province, in order to address your concerns and recommendations.

In saying this, it’s not just classroom training but also practical training that is required so members can become more efficient and effective in carrying out their job functions as police officers.

Finally, sir, out of respect for the real victims of the sexual assault in this community, I hope that this process will give them people some real benefit and peace of mind, because the men and women of the Cornwall Community Police Service do really care.

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Speaking of Perry,I didn’t tell you about the Stanley Cup finals at the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre on Saturday past. Yes. The TV was on for the big game. However, when it was lights out time and the game was into one of three overtimes ….off went the TV! Apparently the ensuing cacophony was beyond imagination. It lasted five or ten minutes. The TV went back on

I don’t know if the TV went on last night. Hopefully it did.

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People are asking what time things start when Perry appears at Osgoode Hall (Toronto) on Tuesday 17 June 2008. I don’t know yet. I assume it will be a 9:30 or 10:00 am start but just don’t know. As soon as I know I will pass on the details. For now I’d say plan your travel to be there early.

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The Cornwall Standard Freeholder seems to be having website problems. This morning I was finally able to find an article from yesterday’s paper. I will post. There is nothing up yet for today re the inquiry. I will keep checking.

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Hearings have commenced. Things are moving quickly. Michael Neville has finished his cross. Now its Peter Chisholm (CAS). Now Chisholm is finished. Now it’s Callaghan.

Where is Dallas Lee? What happened to him. No cross examination questions for Wells? Not one?! What’s going on? I am stymied.

Enough for now,

Sylvia

(cornwall@theinquiry.ca)