Father Robin Gwyn has been found guilty on one of five charges. The judge was not satisfied with the timeliness on one first count. The other three charges were stayed by the Crown.
GUILTY!
I commend the complainant from hanging in throughout the trial. It was a difficult time, but your evidence has shown this priest for what he is: a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The courtroom was virtually empty. The complainant was not present.
I am grabbing a bite to eat in Kingston, then homeward bound…
Enough for now,
Sylvia
Thank goodness. Justice was served. Any more details? Which charge was he found guilty of? When is his sentencing? Does the archdiocese have any responsibility?
Sentencing date has not been set. A pre-sentencing report is to be done. The Crown wants a risk assessment done.
Gwyn is returning to Nova Scotia – was not taken into custody. A court date has been set for 21 October 2016 at which time a date for a sentencing hearing will probably be set. He does not have to return for 21 October.
I will expound later this am. There is no doubt the judge beleived the victim – the problem boiled down to timelines. The judge said that he was struck by the detail given by the victim, accepted that the victim frequented the rectory, and said there is no doubt the paths of the victim and priest crossed in the late 80s while the victim was a student at St. Pat’s. He also accepted the victim’s testimony that he, the victim, did not want to be there as explanation for the times he bolted from the courtroom during testimony, and that the victim had no ulterior motives.
Criminal court does not address what responsibility the diocese did or did not have – that is the stuff of lawsuits.
As I say, I will comment further in a few hours. Please keep the victim your prayers.
Ooops! Tablet changed Gwyn to Gwyneth!!! I’m excited about my new tablet but see that I will have to keep a close eye on what I type and check after it’s posted 🙁