What happened to this case? What is the message to victims? Our court system is to give voice to victims, find the truth and seek justice. The RCMP are part of that system in gathering the evidence and presenting to the Crown counsel.
“It was such an important case to go forward for so many reasons,” Lucille Harper, executive director of the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association, said Friday.
“The fact now that there has been no trial and that the person alleged of this heinous act of sexual assault is walking free and the survivor who was subjected to sexual assault has no recourse.”
Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Patrick Murphy said in his decision, “The charge here is extremely serious. The seriousness of the case is reason for concern when considered in light of society’s interest in having charges such as sexual assault tried on their merits,” Murray wrote.
“An accused’s right however is one that is entrenched in our constitution. This must also be kept in mind in determining whether a delay is unreasonable and whether a stay of proceedings is appropriate.” For those reasons, Murray stayed the charges and ended proceedings.”
Sadly once again the victim’s rights are not part of the court system. Hopefully questions will be asked, accountability and changes made.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/rcmp-blamed-as-sex-assault-case-collapses-against-former-st-fx-lecturer-1.4078363
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/st-francis-xavier-university-sexual-assault-charges-stayed-rcmp-1.4080054