The judge’s decision to stay the charges against Father Gary Hoskins have been posted:
16 February 2017: R v Hoskins (Stay of proceedings granted by Justice David F. Hurley)
Please please read carefully so that you can understand how important it is that all the dilly-dallying with court dates must come to an end.
The terribly sad thing about all for this is that it is the victims and society as a whole who suffer when judges/Crowns and/or defence lawyers do not ensure that cases move through the courts at a reasonable pace. How unfortunate that there is no thought here for victim’s rights. How terribly unfortunate that “alleged” sexual predators go free. What a disgrace that an “alleged” child molester is treated like a victim. How sad that Crowns and defence lawyers are not held accountable and penalized when they aren’t prepared for a court date and/or fail to disclose documents ?
Note the charges against Hoskins which have in essence been tossed by the court :
Count No. 1
on or between the 1st day of January, 1984 A.D. and the 31st day of December, 1986 A.D., at or near Stephenville in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, did commit a sexual assault on L.J., contrary to Section 246.1 of the Criminal Code;
Count No. 2
on or between the 1st day of January, 1984 A.D. and the 31st day of December, 1986 A.D., at or near Stephenville in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, did commit a sexual assault on L.J., contrary to Section 246.1 of the Criminal Code;
Note too that Father Hoskins was dismissed as a psychologist when the charges were laid:
While demonstrating actual prejudice is not a factor in obtaining relief under section 11(b) of the Charter, the Court was told that the Accused was dismissed from his employment as a psychologist when the charges were laid and has not found employment since that time.
Why mention it if indeed “demonstrating actual prejudice is not a factor in obtaining relief.” And note, not a boo regarding the complainant’s life being put on hold! Not one single judicial boo!
At the end of the day, the stay is, alas, all about ‘poor poor Father Hoskins.’
I wonder if the Crown appealed? There was talk of an appeal. Does anyone know?
Enough for now,
Sylvia