Pastor Charged with Sexual Interference

CBC News
June 28, 2012

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2012/06/28/ns-pastor-charged.html

A pastor at a Glace Bay church denies any wrongdoing, after police charged him with three counts of sexual interference.

Robert Lawther, 59, is accused of sex crimes against three children under the age of 16.

Lawther, pastor at Bethel Family Church, was arrested on Wednesday. He appeared in court in Sydney and was released under strict conditions.

"One of the main ones was that he not attend any area at schools, playgrounds, recreation areas, etc. where children under 16 would normally attend," said Staff Sgt. Mike Kennedy, spokesman for Cape Breton Regional Police.

Reached at his church, Lawther told CBC News he will be exonerated and will seek monetary compensation from his accusers.

He said he is not currently serving as pastor but refused any further comment.

Lawther is due back in court on Aug. 22.