Bastien: Father Linus Bastien

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Bastien CTV News 22 June 2016

Father Linus Bastien (Picture from CTV News, 22 June 2016)

 Father Linus Bastien

Beaume Linus F. Bastien

DIED 19 June 2016 before standing trial

Priest, Diocese of London, Ontario.  Ordained 19 May 1951.  October 2o11 charged with  two counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency – initial charges relate to allegations of two former altar boys at St. Mary’s RC Church in Maidstone in 1978.  As of 12 January 2012 there were a total of 22 charges and seven complainants   November 2012: further charges laid in Chatham, Ontario (2 charges of indecent assault) – total number of charges and complainants unknown at this time.

February 2016:  According to court documents, after a preliminary inquiry Father Bastien was  committed to stand trial on all 30 charges of gross indecency, indecent assault, sexual assault and invitation to sexual touching.  ” The charges relate to twelve male complainants between July 1963 and July 1989.”

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Latest news

(Scroll down for other media coverage)

31 July 2017:  “Lawsuit settled against Essex County priest who died” & related article

22 June 2016:  “UPDATED: Retired Priest Facing Sex Charges Has Died” & related articles

21 June 2016:  BLOG  Who paid for this travesty of justice?

24 May 2016:  Hearing delayed on whether Bastien fit to stand trial

04 February 2016:  Lawyer argues elderly priest should not stand trial on sex abuse charges

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30 November 2012:  “Alleged pedophile priest arrested on new charges” & related articles

“Police said any person with further information regarding this investigation should immediately contact the Essex County OPP at 1-800-310-1122 or their nearest police authority.” (CBC News 27 October 2011)

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Defence:  Pat Ducharme.  Crown:  Jennifer Holmes

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Bishops of London Diocese from time of Father Linus Bastien’s ordination:  John Thomas Kidd  (03 July 1931 – 02 June 1950) ; John Christopher Cody  (02 June 1950  – 05 December 1963); Gerald Emmett Carter  (17 February 1964 – 29 April 1978 -Appointed, Archbishop of Toronto, Ontario)   John Michael Sherlock (7 July 1978 – 27 April 2002 ); Ronald Peter Fabbro, C.S.B. (27 April 2002 – – )

Coadjutor Bishops:  John Christopher Cody  (06 April 1946 – Bishop: 02 June 1950 to 05 December 1963)

Auxiliary Bishops: John Michael Sherlock (25 June 1974 — Bishop: 07 July 1978); Marcel André J. Gervais (19 April 1980 – 03 May 1985); Frederick Bernard Henry (18 April 1986 – 24 March 1995);  Richard John Grecco (05 December 1997 – 27 April 2002); Robert Anthony Daniels ( 21 September 2004 to 01 March 2011)

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Media coverage & BLOGS

21 June 2016:  BLOG  Who paid for this travesty of justice?

24 May 2016:  Hearing delayed on whether Bastien fit to stand trial

24 May 2016:  BLOG  My thoughts

07 May 2016:  BLOG  Application to quash

08 March 2016:  BLOG  Bid to avoid trial failed?

04 February 2016:  Lawyer argues elderly priest should not stand trial on sex abuse charges

13 January 2015:  BLOG  London Diocese priest disputing charges

10 January 2015:  BLOG Dispute of charges starts today in Windsor

16 November 2015:  “Former Area Priest Facing Civil Suit” & related article

13 January 2015:  BLOG London Diocese priest disputing charges

10 April 2014:  BLOG  Here it is…

07 March 2014:  BLOG Committed to stand trial

03 March 2014:  BLOG  Speak up

16 July 2013:  BLOG  Postponed

11 July 2013:  BLOG Preliminary hearing to start Monday

02 April 2011:  BLOG  Back to “Quam Bonum”

30 November 2012:  “Alleged pedophile priest arrested on new charges” & related articles

20 February 2012:  BLOG  “After the Storm”

12 February 2012:    BLOG  Heads up

13 January 2012: New sex charges laid against priest

12 January 2012:  Retired priest faces 18 additional sex charges

12 January 2012:  18 more abuse charges against former Essex County area Catholic priest Linus Bastien

02 November 2011: Court date set for accused priest

28 October 2011: Diocese Reacts To Allegations

28 October 2011: 2 more sex charges laid against former Maidstone priest

27 October 2011: Priest faces more sex charges

12 October 2011:  BLOG Yet another

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The following information is drawn from Canadian Catholic Church Directories (CCCD) which I have on hand, the 1980 Ontario Catholic Directory ( OCD), media (M) and Diocesan statement (D)

19 June 2016:  DIED

November 2012: further charges laid in Chatham, Ontario (2 charges of indecent assault) (M)

12 January 2012:  an additional 18 charges laid, including indecent assault, sexual assault and sexual interference.  The charges relate to 1970-1977 and 1988-1989 when Bastien  was at St. Paul’s in LaSalle and St. Joachim in Lakeshore.  It’s hard to keep track, but I have been told that there are now ten complainants – it seems that all were students at either St. Mary’s in Maidstone,  St. Paul’s  school  or St. St. Ambrose school in Lakeshore when the alleged offences occurred.(M)

2011:  address on Kell Drive.  Chatham, Ontario (CCCD)

27 October 2011: further two charges laid, one of indecent assault and one of gross indecency – charges relate to his time at St. Paul’s in Lasalle and, it seems to a school affiliated with the parish.  Bastien now faces three counts of indecent assault and three counts of gross indecency (M)

October 2o11 charged with  two counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency – initial charges relate to allegations of two former altar boys at St. Mary’s RC Church in Maidstone in 1978  (M)

2010:  address on Kell Drive.  Chatham, Ontario (CCCD)

2002:  address in index that of Sts. Simon & Jude Roman Catholic Church , Belle River, Ontario (Pastor Father G.A. Bedard [Gerard – ordained 1990])  (CCCD)

2000:  not listed (CCCD)

1999:  address in index that of Sts. Simon & Jude Roman Catholic Church , Belle River, Ontario (Pastor Father  R. M. Rocheleau)

1998:  address for Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church,   Windsor, Ontario (Pastor Father S. A. Wlusek)  (CCCD)

1997:  retired (D)

1991-1997:  Priest-Chaplain Windsor Hospital (D) (media has him serving at the Grace Hospital as Chaplain.  Did he serve in both?)

1997, 1996:  address for Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church,   Windsor, Ontario (Pastor Father M. J. Graham)  (CCCD)  (it seems he was living in the rectory while serving as Chaplain at the hospital? )

according to media reports was serving as chaplain at Grace Hospital before he retired in 1997 (M)

1995, 1994, 1993, 1992: address for Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church,  Windsor, Ontario (Pastor Father G. A. Del Bianco)

1991-Dec. 1991:  St. Francis Xavier, Tilbury, Ontario (D)

1985-1991Pastor at St. Joachim Roman Catholic Church, Ontario (online) and (D)

1991: Pastor, St. Joachim,  St. Joachim, Ontario (CCCD)

1988-1989:  Pastor, St. Joachim,  St. Joachim, Ontario  (M)

1985-1986:  Pastor, St. Joachim,  St. Joachim, Ontario (CCCD)

1978-85: St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Maidstone, Ontario (D)

1980:  Pastor, St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Maidstone, Ontario (OCD)

1978:   allegations of abuse date to 1978 while Bastien was pastor at St. Mary’s (M)

1970-1978:    St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, LaSalle, Ontario (D)

1974-75:  St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, LaSalle, Ontario (M)

allegations of sex abuse abuse from one complainant relate to this year at a school in LaSalle.

1973-74, 1971-72:   Pastor, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, Windsor, Ontario (CCCD)

1963-70:  St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, Stevenson (Diocese)

1969-70:  Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Wheatley, Ontario (D)

1968-69, 1967:  pastor, St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, Stevenson, R.R. #1,  Coatsworth, Ontario (CCCD)

– charges laid in relation to allegations of sex abuse between 1963 and 1979 while Bastien served at St. Charles (M)

1961-63:  St Clare, Windsor, Ontario (D)

1960-1961: Sacred Heart, LaSalle, Ontario (D)

1953-60: Our Lady of the Rosary, Windsor, Ontario (D)

1959:  Our Lady of the Rosary, Windsor, Ontario (Pastor Msgr. W. J. Schiller – also at the church Father P. J. Schiller) (CCCD)

1951-53: Most Precious Blood, Windsor, Ontario (D)

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Former Essex County priest faces sex charges

Charges stem from alleged abuse in 1978 at St. Mary’s in Maidstone

The Windsor Star

14 October 2011  4:05 PM

BY SARAH SACHELI

WINDSOR, Ont. — A former Essex County priest has been charged with sexual offences that allegedly occurred more than 30 years ago.

Rev. Linus Bastien, 85, faces two counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency, the charges that were on the books back in 1978 when the alleged incidents occurred.

The charges stem from complaints by two former altar boys at St. Mary’s Parish in Maidstone.

Bastien, who lives in Chatham, was arrested this week and released on a promise to appear in Ontario Court in Windsor on Nov. 1.

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Priest faces sex charges

Alleged crimes to have occurred at St. Mary’s Parish in Maidstone, Ont.

Posted: Oct 14, 2011 3:16 PM ET

Last Updated: Oct 14, 2011 2:40 PM ET

CBC News  

An 85-year-old Catholic priest has been charged with sex-related offences alleged to have occurred in 1978.

Police charged father Linus Bastien of Chatham with two counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency contrary to Section 157 of the 1978 Criminal Code of Canada.

Bastien was assigned to St. Mary’s Parish in Maidstone, Ont., when the crimes were to have allegedly occurred.

The two male victims were both alter boys volunteering at the church during the same time period.

Police arrested Bastien on Oct. 12. He is scheduled to appear in Windsor court Nov. 1.

Police ask that any person with further information regarding this investigation should immediately contact the Essex County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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Record of court dates

Trial dates were originally set for 24-28 October, 07-12 November and 14-16 December 2016 – however a fitness hearing set for 24-26 May was cancelled (Bastien in hospital) and that fitness hearing is now rescheduled to commence 24 October 2016.  My guess is that if he is found fit to stand trial the trial will probably commence 07 November 2016. .

Next court date (WINDSOR charges):  24 -27 October 2016:  10 am, fitness hearing set for three days,  Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue);  24-26 May 2016:  10 am, fitness hearing set for three days,  Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue); 14 March 2016: 10 am, “to set a date,” Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue); 14 March 2016: TRIAL Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue) ; 07 March 2016:  TRIAL booked for two weeks. Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

25 February 2016: 10 am,  application certiorari,  Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue); 04 February 2016:  10 am – related to assessing his fitness to stand trial, application certiorari, Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue);

22 January 2016:  10 am, Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue); 21 January 2015 ;15 January 2016: to reschedule application certiorari, Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue);  11 January 2016:  CANCELLED -10 am, application certiorari, scheduled for four to five days,  Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue); 09 January 2015:  09:30 am, “to set a date,” Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue) ; 17 December 2014:  09:30 am, pretrial hearing in conference room (NOT open to public), Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue) ; 17 November 2014:  10 am, “a motion,” Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue) ; 11 July 2014:   09:30 am, assignment court, courtroom #3, Windsor Superior Court of Justice ; 13 June 2014:  09:30 am, to set a date, Windsor Superior Court of Justice , 245 Windsor Avenue, Windsor, Ontario03 March 2014 – Committed to stand trial in Ontario Superior Court of Justice trial date as yet unknown:      27 February 2014-06 March 2014:    10 am,  for preliminary hearing, Windsor Ontario court house (Ontario Court of Justice – 200 – Chatham St. E.);  15-19 July 2013:  (Preliminary hearing CANCELLED due to death in judge’s family) 10:00 am, courtroom #11, for preliminary hearing, Windsor Ontario court house (Ontario Court of Justice – 200 – Chatham St. E.); 15 January 2013:  09:30 am, courtroom #6, “to set a date,” Windsor Ontario courthouse10 December 2012: 09:30 am, courtroom #10, “focus hearing,” Windsor Ontario courthouse03 July 2012: 0:90 am, “to set a date,” Windsor, Ontario courthouse (courtroom #6?); 31 May 2012: pre-trial  (NOT Open to the public) courtroom #10, Windsor, Ontario courthouse; 13 March 2012: Windsor, Ontario courthouse21 February 2012, (initial charges – plus 2 other ‘informations’/matters brought forward to that date – probably the second set of charges) 09:30 am, courtroom #6 (Windsor courthouse);  14 February 2012:  Windsor Ontario court house to answer to 18 new charges; 24 January 2012:  09:30 am, courtroom # 6 “to speak to” (Windsor, Ontario court house); 13 January 2012:   pre-trial,  09:30 am, courtroom #10, Windsor Ontario court house;   29 November 2011:  09:30 am, court room #6, Windsor, Ontario Court house (“to be spoken to”)01 November 2011: 09:30 am, courtroom #6, Windsor court house, Windsor, Ontario (Ontario Court of Justice)

Court file number: 12-11134 11/11909

Next court date (CHATHAM charges): transferred to Windsor, Ontario 06 March 2013: 09:00 am, Chatham, Ontario courthouse, “to be spoken to”; 04 February 2013: 09:00 am, Chatham, Ontario courthouse, “to be spoken to”; 02 January 2013: Chatham, Ontario courthouse (1611998121879 and 1611998121892)

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81 Responses to Bastien: Father Linus Bastien

  1. Sylvia says:

    Two more charges laid today against Bastien. Well done. Whoever it is who summoned up the courage to go to police, well done!

    I encourage anyone with allegations against Father Linus Bastien to contact the police. You can contact either your local police or the Essex County OPP (the number is in the aricle above)

  2. Sylvia says:

    Thanks Chuck. I now have them posted (see above under the list oi bishops)

    Was Bastien a teacher at a school or schools Chuck? or was he assigned to a school or schools as chaplain? or did he visit schools because they were affiliated with the parish?

  3. Sylvia says:

    Start time o1 November is 09:30 am, courtroom #6 (Windsor courthouse)

  4. Sylvia says:

    Thanks Chuck. I will see if I can find out anything.

  5. Sylvia says:

    There are no new charges filed at the courthouse Chuck. The new allegations you reference are probably still under investigation?

  6. Sylvia says:

    Next court date is for pre-trial, 13 January 2012, at 9:30 am, court room #10, Windsor, Ontario courthouse

  7. John says:

    Radio station CKLW, in Windsor, has reported that Bastien was charged with an additional 18 counts today. It’s also reported in the Windsor Star digital edition.
    In light of this does anyone know if the pretrial will go ahead tomorrow? I would like to attend but not to keen on making the trip if it’s postponed.

  8. Sylvia says:

    I posted both the articles John. Thank you for relaying that information.

    I think tomorrow’s hearing is probably postponed, BUT, I don’t know for certain. The fact that there are 18 new charges changes everything, so I would think there is not much point in proceeding until he has answered to those new charges in court on 14 February 2012.

    Does anyone know for certain if tomorrow’s court date has been cancelled or postponed? I won’t be able to find out until after 9:30am – that’s no help to those who plan to attend and have to drive a distance.

    If anyone knows would you please post a comment here, or send me an email at: cornwall@theinquiry.ca

  9. Sylvia says:

    I see in today’s paper that TODAY’s COURT APPEARANCE IS STILL ON

  10. Sylvia says:

    The next court date for Father Linus Bastien is 24 January 2012: 09:30 am, court room #6. Windsor, Ontario court house “to speak to.”

  11. Sylvia says:

    The next court date for Linus Bastien is 21 February 2012, 09:30 am, courtroom #6. I have learned that his lawyer is Patrick Ducharme, apparently a man of some repute in Windsor and a high profile criminal lawyer. I am sure Mr. Ducharme’s services cost a pretty penny. Is the Diocese picking up the tab on this one? I’m sure it is, but I don’t know for certain.

  12. Sylvia says:

    I wonder if the plan is to let him answer to the new charges 14 February 14, and then 0n 21 Feb the initial and the new charges would be merged? I am sure they will merge the two sets of charges, so I wonder if that’s what’s happening here? Does anyone know?

  13. Sylvia says:

    Patrick Ducharme was not in court yesterday – it was someone from the firm. That is not uncommon for these appearances.

    Please note that I have added some more dates and churches. The London Diocese has information posted on its site – I added that data.

  14. Sylvia says:

    The best I can do for time for Bastien’s court appearance tomorrow morning is let you know that most cases in the Windsor court house start at 9:30 am. There is a strange rule that apparently stipulates that because this is a first appearance on new charges the court does not or can not release any further information, But, it will probably be 9:30 am.

  15. Dan B says:

    Hi Sylvia,
    I continue to visit your web site and check for updates on the Bastien case and so many of the other cases that are unfolding across Canada. Needless to say, I am looking forward to what developments may transpire on February 21.

    At this time, I am writing with regard to a very tiny technical error that appears on the profile page of Linus Bastien. In it, you wrote the following…

    “There are now seven complainants – all were students at St. Paul’s school or St. St. Ambrose school when the alleged offences occurred.”

    Of course, myself and the other altar boy who first reported to the police attended St. Mary’s school. As your own time line shows, that was where he served after St. Paul’s and just before St. Ambrose. So, it is likely that the seven complainants came from all three of these schools.

    I will be sure to notify you if I hear any news at my end on February 21. Keep up the good work! Dan B. ( Court publication ban on my name. )

  16. Sylvia says:

    Thanks Dan. I appreciate and have corrected.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

  17. PJ says:

    Go get um Dan…it’s never easy but at least you’re willing to go all the way! Been there, done that.

  18. Sylvia says:

    I don’t know what happened re the 14 February court date, but I contacted the court house and learned that there are 3 ‘informations’ /matters being brought forward to 21 February 2012. There is no other court date scheduled so it sounds as though the new charges have been joined to the original charges and all charges will be dealt with together from here on in, starting on 21 February.

  19. Sylvia says:

    The next court date for Father Linus Bastien is 13 March 2012.

  20. Sylvia says:

    The next court date for Father Linus Bastien is 31 May 2012. The is a pre-trial and is NOT open to the public.

  21. mary power says:

    What a very very sad world we live in Pretty soon there will be no one in church   then what

  22. JG says:

    *Mary,

    I am not sure if your last post is meant to place blame or simply a reflection about your sense of loss…It is sad to realize that loss in our communities and in the wonderful, unfulfilled promises of those “men of God”… I can more easily believe that empty churches will not have as much impact as the “empty” victims of the church around the world…Every single abuse victim  is more important and with more merit than the stone buildings which served as a haven for abusers…

    We are the primary “recipients” of that “Promise”…save just one child from the destruction of abuse and try to imagine how many churches will be saved as a result. The opposite is also more than a probability!

    I think enough time and effort has been wasted to denial, cover-up and blame! This sad world of ours, as you say, is being healed, repaired and given a new lease on Life simply with the courage of the victims who come forward.

    They should be “Thanked” and “Respected” for what they have done and continue to give us.

    Their “Sacrifice” should be looked upon as our “Healing”, not a challenge. The “church” is beyond understanding that …too much money and “power” tipping the scale…

    Take the victims in your heart, Mary, and the world won’t be so sad…and you will be that “Church” we all envision…We are all “children” to Him and we should all see there is plenty of “Hope” at His table…

    ..”then what”…you ask?  … Maybe children who will grow up to be better adults who will raise other children to be better human beings who will eventually put aside the selfishness, the greed, the pain of “this” sad world!…Maybe a project for a “real church”…without the divisions, the hatred, the arrogance…the emptiness!

    jg

  23. Sylvia says:

    The next court date for Father Linus Bastien is 03 July 2012:  09:30 am, Windsor, Ontario courthouse “to set a date.”

  24. Sylvia says:

    Father Linus Bastien’s next court date is scheduled for 10 December 2012 – 09:30 am, courtroom #10, “focus hearing.”  This is similar to a pre-trial conference and therefore is probably NOT open to the public.

  25. cathrene says:

    my prayers are with the abused and the family’s. I can only hope that they are saved and with Christ. If the priest is guilty I pray that he will be saved and confess to the crimes he has committed. He will have to deal with the guilt at the end and face his punishment. 

    God Bless everyone this has affected and my prayers are with you all. 

    *

  26. John says:

    Chatham Daily News & The Windsor Star are reporting additional allegations against Linus. No details as to number of complainants or charges. The incidents took place sometime in the 60’s, when he was at St. Charles in Stevenson, near Tilbury. Wonder how this will affect the current court proceedings?

  27. Baspuit says:

    Police have once again arrested a former Windsor priest already facing 22 previous sex crime charges.

    Chatham-Kent police said the new charges against Linus Bastien, 86, who was a priest in Windsor and the surrounding region from 1951-97, are also for “historical sexually based offences.”

    Police said the sex crimes occurred between 1963-70 while Bastien was the priest at St. Charles Parish in the village of Stephenson, in the former Township of Tilbury East.

    Bastien, who lives in Chatham, was arrested Wednesday then released from custody until a January court appearance.

    Police gave no other information about the case, including the number of new charges.

    Bastien was already facing 22 sex crime charges for alleged acts at other churches.

    In January, LaSalle police laid 18 charges against him, including indecent assault, gross indecency, sexual assault and sexual interference following complaints from seven victims.

    Those alleged crimes occurred from 1970-77 and 1988-89 when Bastien was serving at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in LaSalle and St. Joachim Parish in Lakeshore.

    The alleged victims were students at the former St. Paul’s school and St. Ambroise school.

    Before that, provincial police laid four charges against Bastien for allegedly abusing two altar boys in 1978 at St. Mary’s Parish in Maidstone.

    In that case, he was charged with two counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency.

    This from : http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2012/11/29/alleged-pedophile-priest-arrested-again/

  28. Sylvia says:

    Thanks Baspuit and all those who sent me links to the articles. I now have it posted:

    30 November 2012: “Alleged pedophile priest arrested on new charges” & related articles

    I commend those who have recently come forward with new allegations against Father Linus Bastien. Thanks to you, further charges have been laid.

    John, you wonder what impact these new charges will have on current court proceedings? The Crown could decide to merge the new charges with the old, in which case things will be slowed down while everyone (Crown and defence) gets details on the new charges. The Crown could also decide to move ahead with the first set of charges and deal with the new charges separately.

    Bastien has a court date already set for 10 December to deal with the first set of charges. We should find out what is happening then. Because of Charter issues and Father Bastien’s age I personally hope the Crown proceeds to trial with the first set of charges and deals with the new charges separately.

  29. I will be in attendance in the courtroom on December 10.

    Brenda Brunelle

  30. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    Dan B., Brenda, and all involved; As much as I would like to be there on the 10th to support you, work gets in the way AGAIN! My thoughts and prayers are with you as you seek to put another monster away. It benefits all of us!! Keep the courage please! Mike.

  31. Sylvia says:

    There are two new court dates for Father Linus Bastien.

    In Windsor, Ontario: 15 January 2013: 09:30 am, courtroom #6, “to set a date”
    In Chatham, Ontario: 04 February 2013: 09:00 am, “to be spoken to”

    The new charges laid in November in Chatham are two of indecent assault. I THINK that is a total of 24 charges in Windsor and 2 in Windsor?

  32. Sylvia says:

    A five-day preliminary hearing, starting 15 July 2013, has been set for Father Linus Bastien on the Windsor, Ontario charges. Here is the info:

    15-19 July 2013: 10:00 am, courtroom #11, for preliminary hearing (Windsor, Ontario court house – Ontario Court of Justice – 200 – Chatham St. E.)

    Mark your calendars. The testimony will be under publication ban, but the public is free to attend these hearings.

  33. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    Sylvia;
    Regarding July 15-19th, would one have to stay for the entire four days to hear the case, or would it, in your experience, be of shorter duration? Mike.

    • Sylvia says:

      There is no need for a member of the general public to attend for the duration of the hearing. Is that what you mean Mike? If that’s it, people are free to come and go as they wish – they can attend a full day, an hour or tow of one day or every day, or they can attend every minute of every day. The hearing is scheduled for five days – 15-19th July inclusive

      It’s possible that the hearing could be wrapped up in less than five days. It’s also possible that more time is needed in which case dates would have to be set to continue.

  34. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    Thanks Sylvia – I am interested in attending, but obviously cannot stay for the full 4 or 5 days. I would like to be there for the more important parts of the hearing, but who knows what day that will be , right? Thanks for the info. mike.

  35. Sylvia says:

    The next court date for Father Linus Bastine on his Chatham charges is:

    06 March 2013: 09:00 am, courtroom #103, “to be spoken to,” Chatham, Ontario courthouse

  36. Sylvia says:

    Father Linus Bastien’s Chatham sex abuse charges have been transferred to Windsor, Ontario. I believe those charges will be joined to the Windsor charges and become part of the preliminary hearing scheduled for July, and that step may already have transpired. There is no record in Windsor as yet of the Chatham charges being sent forward. I will check again in a week or so. (I think that if the Chatham charges have not yet been officially joined/married/merged with the Windsor charges there is a possibility that there will at least one more court date on the Chatham charges.)

  37. Brunelle Brenda says:

    Due to a funeral today, Father Linus Bastien’s pre trial will begin on Tuesday instead of today.

    Same time and location.

    Thanks

  38. Patrick McMahon says:

    I want those who had the courage to come forward and speak the truth to know I am thinking of you at this time. I am sorry I am not able to attend but I know others will. I wish you much strength through this week and I encourage you to remember how many others you are helping with what you have done and are doing.

    It isn’t just about stopping this one man but the many others like him and, even worse, those who protect and recycle these pedophile priests without hesitation. That evil, the bigger, more dangerous and more protected one, isn’t even on trial. YET!

  39. Brunelle Brenda says:

    At last, here we are months later and Fr. Linus Bastien will face his demons the end of February 2014 and early March 2014 provided that these victims to dot suffer yet again another excuse/cancellation of trial set for a future date.

    This game has taken place already to many times.

    WE are with all of you in spirit and stand with you in solidarity and wish to assure you, that you are not alone in this process. We are will you, thinking about you and will be present with you during these difficult days in anticipating this important date in your life.

    Stay strong, the truth is on your side!
    Brenda

  40. Irene says:

    Does anyone know if the outcome of this preliminary hearing will be published?

  41. Sylvia says:

    On 03 March Father Linus Bastien was committed to stand trial in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. I don’t have the trial date yet – was told to call the Superior Court at the end of next week.

  42. Sylvia says:

    Father Linus Bastien’s trial date has not yet been set. It should be set by the end of next week. I will check again around 07 April 2014

    • Gayle says:

      I would like to know if you have heard when Father Bastien’s trial date has been set. I lived in LaSalle when he was our family priest and both my brothers were alter boys for him. My one brother refused to go back ( he recently passed away) but my other brother only had the greatest respect for him. So I am trying to keep up to date with this.

      Thank you

      Gayle

  43. Teresa Bloch says:

    I wondered what happened at the July 14 th court session. I haven’t been able to find anything stating a trial date etc. My family was very close with Fr. Bastien over the years and never had a hint of indiscretion, in fact the opposite. My dad was an Anglican priest and Fr. Bastien spent a great deal of time with us. These charges are hard to fathom!!!!!!!!!!! I am so sorry for those abused. I would like to be able to look Fr. Bastien in the eye and address this. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    • PJ says:

      Finally, someone who truly understands both sides of the issue. Although close to him and although finding it hard to believe the situation, you are wise enough to acknowledge the victims and remain focussed on finding out the truth, the real truth, but in a balanced manner! Thank you!!

    • Sylvia says:

      I will check this coming week to see when the next court date is Teresa. Even after a case has been ordered to trial in the Superior Court it takes time to get to the point that an actual trial date is set.

      So, hopefully a trial date has been set, but, I wouldn’t count on it.

  44. Sylvia says:

    Father Linus Bastien’s next court date is:

    17 November 2014: 10 am, “a motion,” Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

    I have no idea what the motion is all about, but it is open to the public so hope you mark your calendars well in advance and plan to attend.

    Barring a miracle it looks as though this is going to drag along into 2015.

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers

  45. Sylvia says:

    Father Linus Bastien’s next court date is:

    17 December 2014: 09:30 am, pretrial hearing in conference room
    NOT open to public), Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

    There is no trial date set as yet. Note that this courtdate is NOT open to the public. These meeting are all preparatory to going to trial – lawyers are deciding and/or battling over such things as which witnesses will be called to testify, and/or what testimony or documents can be entered into evidence at trial and/or how many days to book for the trial.

    A reminder that the first of these charges were laid in October 2011.

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers.

  46. Sylvia says:

    Father Linus Bastien has a courtdate tomorrow morning:

    09 January 2015: 09:30 am, “to set a date,” Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers

  47. Sylvia says:

    I am stunned. Father Linus Bastien’s next court date is 11 January 2016. Yes, 2016.

    Bad enough, but, it’s for what’s called “application certiorari” – he is disputing the charges, claiming he never should have been charged! The case will be heard before a judge over a period of three to four days. The process differs from an appeal. I will have to read up more, but I think an appeal comes after the fact?

    Unbelievable. The first of these 22 charges by seven complainants were laid in October of 2011. That’s right, 2011. That’s over three years ago!

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers. What a shocker this must be for all of them!

    Who is his lawyer? Can anyone tell us? I don’t think have that information anywhere.

  48. Sylvia says:

    I have heard that Father Biastien’s lawyer is Patrick Ducharme.

  49. Sylvia says:

    You’re right Patrick. Just fixed it. Many thanks.

  50. Sylvia says:

    Father Linus Bastien’s scheduled Monday 11 January hearing never got off the ground. Defence asked for an assessment order of some sort.

    Father Bastien’s next court date now is:

    15 January 2016: to reschedule application certiorari (?), Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

    My understanding is that this courtdate tomorrow will set a new date for the application certiorari, but I suppose it could end up addressing issues related to the assessment order? I truly do not know.

    Anyway, that’s where things stand, and that I suppose is why there has been no news from the court house.

    Please keep the complainants and their families in your prayers during this difficult and confusing time.

  51. Sylvia says:

    Father Linus Bastien has a court date tomorrow:

    22 January 2016: 10 am, Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

    I’m sorry but I wasn’t home when the message came so just received a message giving the date and time. I have no idea if this is to start his application certiorari – (disputing the charges with the claim that he never should have been charged). If it is, it will last for several days. If not, …? I will try to contact the court tomorrow to find what is happening. If anyone out there knows, please pass on the news.

    As always, please keep the complainants in your prayers.

  52. Sylvia says:

    Oh my. Here’s the latest on Father Linus Bastien . As you know, he was about to launch a court battle claiming he never should have been charged, and that seemed to come to a grinding halt. Now the battle is over his fitness to stand trial!

    The next courtdate for Father Bastien is:

    04 February 2016: 10 am, related to battle regarding his fitness to stand trial, Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

    Those of you in the Windsor area, please mark your calendars and try to get there!

    Those poor poor souls who have been waiting three to four long years for justice! Please keep them in your prayers.

  53. Sylvia says:

    The next court date for Father Linus Bastien is:

    25 February 2016: 10 am, application certiorari, Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

    I think this may be a ruling regarding his attempts to avoid going to trial? If anyone can get to the courthouse to find out what is happening please please do.

  54. Empty Handed Victim says:

    As a very somber notice, the trial has yet once again been cancelled until the courts hold a hearing to see if bastien is fit for trial. As a victim I have given up and will refuse to give testimony or even show up for any future hearings or other games the courts decide to play. My soul has been put through the ringer in this circus show. I can only hope that there are no more victims traumatized by the Fckd up catholick church and court system however, if there is I can only hope it happens to one of the defendants lawyers family. Then and only then will he understand what his actions are creating.( Mr P.Deuschebag) Good luck to remaining victims, I am depleted

    • Sylvia says:

      I don’t know what to say Empty Handed Victim. This is perhaps no surprise, but it is so terribly terribly wrong.

      Give yourself a few days and, perhaps in a week or so, reassess. Yes, you have all been put through the wringer. That’s the name of this cruel “legal” game.

      Please, everyone out there, keep EHV and the others who found the courage to come forward in your prayers.

      And perhaps a call to the bishop’s office is in order? or an email? I don’t know if the claim is that Father Linus Bastien is paying his lawyer out of his own pocket (or legal aid), or if it’s the diocese footing the bill. No matter – there is nothing preventing the bishop from hauling him in by the scruff of the neck and insisting he stop this dancing around on the backs of the ‘complainants’ and get on with the trial. And, if the diocese is footing the bill, then the bishop needs to haul both Bastien and his lawyer in by the scruff of the neck and say “Enough”

      Bishop Fabbro contact info:

      Phone: 519-433-0658 Ext. 224
      Email: bishop@dol.ca

  55. Sylvia says:

    The next court date for Father Linus Bastien is:

    14 March 2016
    : 10 am, “to set a date,” Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

    This is probably to set a new trial date.

    Please keep the complainants and their families in your prayers

  56. Gayle says:

    I would like to know when Mr. Bastien’s, not Father Bastien’s next court date is?

  57. Sylvia says:

    Scroll up the page to “Next court date” Gayle. Here it is:

    24 -26 May 2016: 10 am, fitness hearing set for three days, Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

    If you are in the area and can attend any or all of the hearing, please do. We need people who can be in that courtroom to hear what his arguments are which presumably will claim that he is unfit to stand trial.

  58. EHV says:

    I was told Bastien suffered a heart attack and the fitness hearing is……well? Not looking promising here….

  59. Sylvia says:

    Oh no! Has anyone any news? I was checking the Windsor Star earlier hoping there would be some coverage. There was nothing, but they often don’t publish online until the next day so – we may see something tomorrow.

    For many reasons I hope and pray this is rumour and not fact.

  60. Sylvia says:

    Unfortunately, it is fact. He is in hospital:

    24 May 2016: Hearing delayed on whether Bastien fit to stand trial

    The fitness hearing has now been rescheduled to run on days previously scheduled for the start of trial. Here it is:

    24 -27 October 2016: 10 am, fitness hearing set for three days, Windsor Superior Court of Justice (245 Windsor Avenue)

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers.

  61. EHV says:

    An interesting piece that was repeated to me from two very reliable sources…”We wish this guy would just die so we can get this case off the books”. Not very encouraging to those looking to come forward in the future….Got to love the Crown….puke! Five F#&*ing years and the Crown get this in front of a judge. Does our justice system need to be overhauled? Should Clown Attornies be accountable? Should they be rated on their performances? This one has dropped the ball and seems to think it’ll be alright.

  62. EHV says:

    Well…looks like today will be the last of my posts. Today I received a call from the Clown attornies office informing me Slimus (Linus)Bastien died. Everything as I predicted 5 years ago, the courts were waiting for this bitch to die so they didn’t have to send him to court. Jennifer Holmes proved to be the most ineffective attorney I have ever encountered. FIVE years and she can’t get a case to court, on the taxpayers dime no less. Pat Ducharme protecting a pedophile from going to court with overwhelming evidence that Bastien was indeed guilty. And now the courts expect us to remain silent…WELL if you are reading this “Go Get F@#$Ked” you pieces of shit. Just remember Holmes and Deusche Bag, if you or anyone you knows becomes a victim of this type of abuse…get the fu$ck over it. We know what side of the line you walk. As for Bastien, you’ve taken my faith and all it represented. IIIIIFFFFFFF…..there is a God, I hope he has a special little cesspool for your pitiful ass. Aside from being disgusted with the likes of Bastien, I have lost all my faith in the corrupt justice system as well.

  63. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    EHV – I’m sorry!! It is so typical of our so-called justice system. I’m beginning to think that “justice” is for the wealthy and powerful, not us the “lowly unwashed”.
    I find it remarkable that these monsters seem to have a peculiar knack of dying just a few short days before their court appearances. Coincidence???? I’m beginning to wonder……………..
    We all have to try to rise above these charades, and take back our own personal power. I wish the best for you!
    Please remember that if we stick together, we can have power eventually over these sick twisted creatures. Mike.

    • BC says:

      Coincidence?

      It indeed a tragedy for his victims. Altough let`s not forget that the conviction rate for sex-crimes is very low – in the 35% range depending on the jurisdiction. Such cases are hard to prove in a court of law because the burden of proof is so extremely high. The fact that Bastien was investigated and charged; as well as the very nature of his appeals – speaks of the coward that he was. Had he been innocent of the charges against him his silence alone would have more than sufficed to get him acquitted.

      Who paid for it?
      Canadian taxpayers paid for it all. Canadian taxpayers don`t only pay for the costs of investigating and prosecuting crimes; they also finance the Church and all of it`s activities via various tax schemes.

      The good news is as the credibility of the Church`s leadership is gone they are not obedient anymore and they are talking to law enforcement civil liability insurers and advocates of clerical abuse. And they are leaking the ying yang outta the whole scandal to the media; to reduce their own legal exposure.

  64. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    By the way, I am interested in knowing who has been paying the “defence” attorneys for this 5 year circus. The amount must be staggering!
    If the local parish/diocese is, the parishioners need to rise up – your collection contributions are going in the WRONG direction! Mike.

  65. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    BC – do I understand you correctly, in that Bastien’s defence lawyers for the last five years have been paid out of the public purse (directly or indirectly) ? Mike.

    • BC says:

      Who paid the retainers and paid the fees would constitute privileged information. The fact that the Church is a consortium of assorted registered charitable entities and the fact charitable giving is a publicly subsidized activity (via a plethora of tax accommodations) means that the public did indeed pay for his defense via charitable giving to Bastien; if he paid for it himself and/or his Diocese; if it paid for his defense.

      • PJ says:

        Or via their insurance policies..provided they haven’t used it all defending other perverts.

        • BC says:

          Hi PJ,
          … civil liability insurance for vicarious liability civil actions; for sure. Legal insurance coverage for criminal proceedings? It does exist but it`s so expensive and it`s unlikely that a member of the clergy could get effective coverage. The fine print on the policy excludes so much… It is known that the Church via it’s charitable foundations and other charities (i.e. Knights of Columbus) is funding legal defense funds for accused clergy to establish precedent that would make it even more difficult to prosecute clerical abuse.

  66. Sylvia says:

    Until fairly recently most, if not all, costs associated with defence of clergy charged criminally were covered by insurance. Some dioceses have now lost coverage because some insurance companies refuse to insure particular dioceses for cases of sexual abuse. There have been court battles with insurance company against diocese, and dioceses against insurance company. Some diocese are still covered.

    In some cases dioceses without insurance have covered criminal costs. It is extremely difficult to find out. In some instances there are denials by a diocese that it is picking up the tab.

    One of the biggest problems in criminal cases involving priests is Crowns who are either incompetent or totally devoid of understand of both the impact of clerical sexual abuse on a Roman Catholic child by a Roman Catholic priest, and the manner in which “the Church” functions.

    The difficulties which I have seen in prosecuting cases generally – from my perspective – falls on the lap of the Crown. There are exceptions. Unfortunately victims do not have the luxury of of shopping around for a Crown who is noted for his/her expertise; they took whoever is assigned to the case.

    There is much that needs to – and can – be done to ensure that truth is pursued and justice is done in our courts.

    • BC says:

      It’s no secret that the dockets are packed, that Crowns are underfunded; understaffed; overworked and overwhelmed in an environment where the silence of the accused is more often than not; more than sufficient to acquit given the conviction rates in cases of clerical abuse. Justices also have to operate in an environment where prisons are overcrowded; understaffed and underfunded. Many weekend sentences basically mean that the convict is annoyed by having to show up Friday evening only to be told to go home because the prison is already overcrowded.

      Of course, there are all kinds of courtrooms. In the courtroom of public opinion, the Church has zero credibility insofar clerical abuse is concerned.
      And then… well there’s what the faithful say about Judgment Day…
      And I like to believe that they’re right about it.

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