Unexpected news from Iqaluit. The sex abuse trial of ex priest Eric Dejaeger has been adjourned to St. Patrick’s Day, 17 March 2014:
23 January 2014: Eric Dejaeger trial adjourned until March 17
This is going to be quite a blow for those who thought there was finally a light at the end of the tunnel and, at least as far as the trial goes, that it would finally be over and done with soon. I suppose after all of this time a few more months might be considered nothing, particularly if the time will aid in a successful prosecution. But, the truth is it’s terribly hard on the victims.
And, another account of the utter nonsense coming out of this man under cross examination:
23 January 2014: Dejaeger tells Crown he didn’t believe his child molesting was wrong
For those who may have forgotten, there are also those charges in Edmonton, Alberta. Dejeager’s next court date on the Alberta charges is for a preliminary hearing, currently booked for one day:
31 July 2014: 09:00 am, preliminary hearing, Edmonton, Alberta
With this adjournment will the Nunavut trial be wrapped up in time to get Dejaeger shipped off to Edmonton for end July? We shall see. The Crown still has a cross-examination to complete. And then there closing arguments from both sides. And then there will be a sentencing hearing with opportunity for victims to give or have their Victim Impact Statements read in court. And then sentencing . Usually there are a few days or even weeks between each. How long will it all take?
We shall see. That Edmonton preliminary hearing has already been cancelled twice. Those of you who gone through these sort of delays know how difficult this is for the complainants. I truly do hope and pray for their sakes that the date of 31 July will stand. But, on the other side of the coin, I also do not want to see the Nunavut trial jeopardized in any way.
Speaking of closing arguments, I was happy to see that Justice Kilpatrick will not allow defence and Crown to deliver their summations in writing. The judge said the public has an interest in the case and it would be difficult and expensive for the public to get the transcripts. So true. He also said that Dejaeger has a right to be present. True too.
Please continue to keep all the victims and complainants in your prayers over the next few months.
*****
I have added a picture of Shirley Christensen to “The Children” page. That’s around the age she was sexually molested by Father Paul-Henri Lachance. Just look at her. Just a dear sweet little girl. Heart-breaking.
A picture does speak a thousand words. A reminder to everyone: if you have gone public please dig out a picture of yourself taken about the time you were molested so that it can be posted both on the Children’s page, and on the page of the priest or brother or deacon or Catholic teacher who molested you. There are hundreds/thousands of you out there in Canada. Please get those pictures scanned and send them along. (Sadly I will have to restrict the page to Canada – I would not be able to handle those from around the world)
*****
If you haven’t already seen it, the Reasons for Judgment in the conviction of Father Rene Labelle is posted:
17 January 2014: Reasons for Judgment (Father Rene Labelle conviction)
There is a publication ban on the name of the victim – I made a few redactions and identify the victim, his parents and friends by initials which are NOT the initials for their names.
Please take time to read the judgement. The words don’t come close to capturing Justice Ray’s passion as he read it into the record, but, it’s very good.
I will still be reporting my thoughts on the trial – the document gives you a very good idea of the nature of the charges and the arguments in court.
*****
Another few articles posted re the Father Joe LeClair sentencing hearing:
23 January 2014: “Will Father Joe LeClair go to jail for fraud?” & related articles
I am working at getting an audio file from a call-show posted – having a few problems but I’ll keep at it 🙂
There are other issues which I have not addressed today – need to sort things out in my own mind – will sleep on it 🙂
*****
A productive day in the sense that I am catching up on those cases which are before the courts in Canada. There is lots happening around the world. I will eventually get to that and get caught up there too, but my priority always is Canada and cases which relate to Canada – and getting the information out about the trials in our own backyard.
Enough for now,
Sylvia