The following two cases currently before the courts continue today (Wednesday, 22 January 2014):
(1) Eric Dejaeger
Ex priest Eric Dejaeger took the stand in his own defence yesterday. And, yes, it was deny, deny, deny. That was during his examination in chief – when he first took the stand and and his lawyer questioned him.
It is anticipated that cross-examination will begin today.
As always, keep all the Dejaeger victims and complainants in your prayers.
Here’s the media coverage from yesterday:
21 January 2014: “Former Nunavut priest denies he sexually abused dozens of complainants” & related articles
(2) Father Joe LeClair
At one point in time yesterday there were about 40 people in the courtroom. True there is a lot of media, but there are still a lot of supporters for Father Joe LeClair in there. A huge contingent. The guilty plea has not dampened their admiration of and support for their former priest.
Court resumes tomorrow morning at 10 am. Defence wants a two-year conditional sentence (no jail time). The Crown, who is opposed to a conditional sentence, is asking for 18 months in jail. Both sides argued their position quoting and referencing case law.
The following media coverage of yesterday covers the events of the day very well:
21 January 2014: Popular Ottawa priest pleads guilty to fraud
21 January 2014: “Father Joseph LeClair shouldn’t get jail, defence argues” & VIDEO
21 January 2014: “Father Joe’s ‘remorse is complete’: Lawyer ” & related article
I think perhaps things may wrap up early tomorrow. Once the sentencing hearing has concluded the judge will decide what date he will be ready to pronounce the sentence. How soon that will be is up to him. He may well decide to sentence on Thursday, or maybe even Friday. On the other hand, he may well decide that he wants a week or two, or a month or more to make his decision.
We shall see 🙂
Must call it quits. It’s 12:40 am. I’m off early to court this morning – must get to bed 🙂
Enough for now,
Sylvia