Crown Defence Wrap up Submissions in Priest Sex Case, Ottawa Citizen, January 9, 2008

Crown, Defence Wrap up Submissions in Priest Sex Case

Ottawa Citizen
January 9, 2008

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/features/blotter/story.html?id=59181c99-e06c- 490c-bfb3-aa2e86bdedad&k=24920

PEMBROKE - The trial for a retired priest accused of indecent assault on a young male more than 30 years ago is expected to wrap up on Monday when the judge delivers her verdict.

Msgr. Bernard Prince, a retired Pembroke-area priest, has been charged with 12 counts of sexual assault on young males dating back to the 1970s.
Photo by Mike Carroccetto

The expected ruling by Justice Julie-Ann Parfett follows three days of evidence that concluded Wednesday with closing submissions from the Crown prosecutor and defence counsel.

Msgr. Bernard Prince, 72, is facing 13 charges of indecent or sexual assault on 13 young males. He has pleaded not guilty on one of the counts that he sexually assaulted a now 44-year-old man at his Wilno cabin and Ottawa apartment between 1976 and 1979.

The other 12 charges, which he has yet to enter a plea on, are expected to be dealt with following Monday's verdict.

However, court heard this week that Msgr. Prince intends to plead guilty to at least two of the other 12 charges against him.